"There are two forms of refuge from the misery of life: music and cats." Albert Schweitzer.

With great sadness the family of Donna Dahlin announce her peaceful passing from this world into her new home in heaven.

A longtime Sycamore resident, cat lover, and musician, Donna was known for compassion and love not only for the patients she cared for in her home healthcare, nursing home, and babysitting careers which spanned more than 40 years, as well as those with whom she came in contact. Donna loved the Lord, once spending a season with the Little Sisters of the Poor in consideration of a life of service as a nun. Her faith was reflected in the way she fought for the underdog (humans and animals) in her quirky and spunky way. She was generous with her resources and time, giving her hard-earned money to those she felt needed it more. Donna trapped feral cats and domesticated them so they could be adopted. Through the years, her beloved cats brought her joy and companionship.

A kid at heart, Donna loved excursions with her younger sister Renee and nieces and nephews. Adventures included trips to the LaGrange Pet parade, neighborhood parks, Brookfield Zoo, amusement parks, fireworks, and drive-in theaters. Donna was also known for the strategic placement of many a whoopie cushion.

"Most people die with their music still locked up inside them" (to quote Benjamin Disraeli.) Not Donna! Donna loved to sing and did so singing bass for Choral-Aires (a chapter of Sweet Adelines) for more than 40 years. She was also proficient playing the guitar, banjo, clarinet, mandolin, violin, piano, organ, and accordion. Her other numerous talents included cartooning and making humorous homemade greeting cards for friends and family in her unique Fannie Finkle Funny Farm "brand"; speaking (in addition to English) German, Arabic, Norwegian, and Swedish; and in her younger years she excelled in softball, tennis, and swimming. Younger brother Randy proudly recalls that his coach observed Donna's impressive skills and wished Donna could play on their baseball team in an era before co-ed sports.

The family spent many Sunday evenings playing cards amidst much laughter and competitive banter.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Raymond Dahlin as well as many beloved feline "children."

Donna will be sadly missed and always remembered by her brother Randy (Nikki) Dahlin; sisters Carolyn (Sam) Kosolowsky and Renee (Matt) Bechtel; nephews Erick (Kelly) Schroeder and Ben (Bong) Dahlin; nieces Pam Schroeder, Heidi Eller, Kelsey Bechtel, and Chloe Abbinanti; great nieces Kaity Schroeder, Amber Conine, and Sherry Flamming; and great nephew Kenny Schroeder.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the outstanding care provided by and compassion shown by former caretaker Chloe Abbinanti (niece,) Toya Streeter, Pine Acres and Compassus staff, Father Russell, and Chaplain Joe from Compassus.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Butala Funeral Home, Sycamore, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Donna with a donation to TAILS or your favorite animal shelter.