Donna Rae Braida

January 24, 1955 ~ May 29, 2021
Donna Rae Braida, 66, of Princeton, Illinois passed away at 8:53 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021 at her home surrounded by family.
Donna was born January 24, 1955 in Mendota, Illinois the daughter of Ralph and Patricia (Roth) Rod.
She married James C. Braida on November 14, 1992 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton.
Donna is survived by three children: Amanda (Matt) Pearson of Mahomet, IL, Dustin (Kendra) Wolford of Princeton, IL, and Jodi (Royce) Fundell of Green River, Wyoming; 8 grandchildren: Lisa, Tristin, Laynie, Josiah, Magnus, Caden, Novalyne, and Lilly; her father: Ralph Rod, of Princeton; five siblings: Duane (Linda) Rod of Princeton, Darwin (Alice) Rod of Princeton, Dale Rod of Marco Island, FL, Dawn Sluis of Princeton, and Diane (John) Young of Spring Valley, IL; her mother-in law, Marilyn Braida; two brothers- in law: Perry and Tim Braida; one sister- in law, Bonnie Braida; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special friend, Mike Kernan and his family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Braida, her mother, Patricia Rod, her father-in law, James Braida.
Donna graduated from Princeton High School. While in High School she volunteered as a candy striper at Perry Memorial Hospital. She then worked as a Trayline worker in dietary at the hospital before becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant there. She continued her education at Illinois Valley Community College and earned her Associates degree in Nursing. She worked at Perry Memorial Hospital and the Emergency Department at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois. In 1996 she began her career as an Occupational Health Nurse at LCN Closers, Princeton. In 2012, Donna returned to Perry Memorial within the Human Resources department as an Occupational Health Nurse. She retired in 2017 with 45 years of employment. From 2017- 2019 she worked per diem as a CPR and First Aid instructor at Perry Memorial.
Donna was also very active within the community. She assisted with Cub Scouts, Brownies, multiple school events, and was a 4H leader. Donna also volunteered for the Perry Memorial antique show, the annual Candy Cane Open House, and the gift shop. She was part of the Homestead Planning Committee, and volunteered at the Lovejoy Homestead. Donna was an exhibitor with the Bureau County fair, winning many awards, notably her flowers. She was the founder and chairman of the Jay Braida Golf Outing which raises funds to assist a community member who is battling cancer.
She was an active member at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, the Princeton Moose Lodge, and the Bureau County Board. As a county board member she sat on the emergency services and zoning committee and was a liaison between the Bureau County Health Department and County Board.
She has received many volunteer awards. Most recently, she received the Illinois Valley Woman of Distinction Award.
Donna enjoyed travelling, gardening, and helping people. Most of all she loved her family.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 5, 2021 at the Princeton Moose Lodge with a Celebration of Life to follow immediately after the service. Memorials may be directed to the family to establish a memorial at a later time. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
She will be missed by many God really brought a angel home
RIP
Jodi and family
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for each of you and for a peace that passes all understanding. We have hope in Christ. Love you .
What a joyful person. Always caring and positive. Very much into her family.
Sending our sincere condolences to the family! Of Donna .
Donna was always such a ray of sunshine, she will be truly missed.
Knew her and worked with her several years,a very special person
Great Cousin and Person, we all will miss you.
My first true love! The world is a darker place without you. Fly with Angels!
I was shocked an saddened to hear of the passing of Donna. I have known Donna for over 40 years. She went out with one of my classmates and would she her at work when I was at LCN. She will be missed but God must have special plans for her. Rest in Peace U have earned it and wishing her family an friends to feel peace too. God Bless
Sending my deepest sympathy to every one with â™¥ï¸ We all knew and enjoyed Donna in our lives in many different …. I met her when I was 8 yrs old … built lots of memories .. life gets so busy for all us .. . and then it brings us to times like this … reminiscing and remembering … thanks for the memories Donna Rae .. .. …
Donna was a wonderful, warm, caring person and I feel blessed to have known her. My thoughts and sympathy are with the entire family.
I’ll miss seeing her at St Matthews church. I taught her children in preschool. She was always a pleasure to be around. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. My prayers and sympathies go out to her family and loved ones . Sincerely, Mavis Lins
So sorry to here she has left us. She was search a good Nurse she will be greatly missed by all
Great memories from LCN. We all lost a really wonderful lady.
I am so sadden to learn of Donna’s passing. I worked with Donna at LCN. She was a terrific person, very caring, she was full of life. I know she loved all of her kids and grandkids. She would have the biggest smile on her face when she would talk about them.
I worked with Donna at Perry Memorial Hospital She was a wonderful person to talk to Always made time for you and had such a contagious laugh You will always be remembered Donna for being the most giving person with a positive attitude and a love so deep for everyone you cared about You will be truly missed by alll Spread your wings and fly girl
I first met Donna over 23 years ago when she was the OHN at LCN. She was truly a special person. Her concern for others health and welfare was always a priority. A genuine person that would always do for others first. She will be missed by all. Rest In Peace Donna. BTW the cards have a chance this year. God bless you and the family.