Donna Kuinius

Donna Kuinius, superhero of 93 years on her farewell tour that ended October 27, 2016 A survivor who never took her foot off the gas. Aspiring foot model, assembly line worker for world war 2, waitress for 30 years, lunchroom attendant at Sacred Heart, cashier in a donut shop under the Howard L and JJ Peppers, school bus driver in her 70s and 80s in DesPlaines, Restaurant hostess in Park Ridge for all of her 80's, finally surrendering her drivers license at age 90. Lived tenaciously and independent all the way to the end. Born to immigrant parents Martha and John Zilenski Martha had fled Lithuania leaving 6 children and an abusive husband. With the help of her inlaws, she bought a ticket on the boat and started over in America. She remarried John and at 49 years old not knowing she was pregnant, was suprised the morning of Feb 13 1923 in the apartment at 4020 N Kedvale of the arrival of Donna. No doctors, no mid wife. In the bed, in the apartment. Donna lost her father at 2 years old. Martha pulled anchor and moved to the south side in Englewood. To supplement their income she made bootleg booze In the bathtub. Donna did not speak English until she started kindergarden and learned by association as Martha did not speak English. Mom was a part of the greatest generation. A survivor of extreme poverty during the great depression. Nothing ever bothered her. Her experiences made her resilent and resourceful. She played the hand that life dealt her with calm cool acceptance and made lemonade from lemons Donna always had admirers and was decisive. Married 3 times, until death did they each part. Husband 1 Frank Behl, changed from Mucci as most immigrants did. Married 1942, 20 years her senior, chef, chief cook at home, played cards with Al Capone and looked on point with his gangster fabulous pencil mustache and stylin ever so slightly tilted fedora. Children: Daughter Frances (Iori) grandson Stephen (Iori) wife Audra great grandson Adam (Iori) Husband 2, Joseph Kuinius, married 1963, janitor, real estate investor, forward thinking and open minded with a whiskey and water. They dated for quite some time and mom literally told him it was time to shit or get off the pot. He immediately proposed at Pekin house on Devon avenue. Joesph was the youngest of 7 kids of immigrant Lithuanian parents and bought a huge new family dynamic. Aunt Donna made her debut. Children: Daughter, Karen (Biazar) husband Shawn, Son Kenneth Kuinius, deceased. Granddaughter, Sara (Biazar) husband Ali Adib Grace (Biazar) Husband 3 William (Grandpa Bill) Lodin met Mom in 1984 as a commuter visiting the donut shop where she worked. They spend their twlight years drinking beer, doing home improvement projects, stitching up a storm, if you had a picture they would stitch it, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeapordy reading the National Enquire and AARP, playing cards, having supper every night at 6pm till 2011 when Bill passed. Her life will be celebrated at Barr Funeral Home 6222 N. Broadway Nov 1 from 3pm to 9pm. Mass at St. Gertrudes 1420 W Granville November 2 at 10am proceeding to Rosehill Cemetery 5800 N Ravenswood with luncheon to follow. Have a brandy old fashion, Donna's favorite drink to top off her beautiful end.

Donna Kuinius

February 13, 1923 - October 27, 2016

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Donna Kuinius

February 13, 1923 - October 27, 2016

365 Days of Grief Support

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About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

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Plan Ahead

Resources

Contact Info