04/19/2026
Donna's Story
At Carriage Crossing, we believe every resident is a living library of stories. This month, we are honored to share the journey of Donna, a woman whose life is defined by quiet strength, family devotion, and a heart that sees everyone as an equal.
A Life Rooted in Central Illinois
Born in Vandalia, Donna’s journey in the Mattoon area began when she was just two months old. She has been a fixture of our local community ever since—from supporting her husband at Eastern Illinois University while working at JC Penney, to raising two children who, along with her husband, are all proud college graduates. While Donna humbly notes she’s the “only one without a degree,” her life experiences have provided her with a PhD in character and kindness.
The Fire That Defined Her Resilience
Every scar tells a story, and Donna’s carries a harrowing memory from when she was just three years old. While visiting family, she came across a match used by older children to stir a homemade flour-and-water paste.
In an instant, her apron caught fire. It was her mother’s quick thinking—hearing Donna’s cries and scooping her up in her own apron to smother the flames—that saved her. Though the physical scars remain on her legs today, the experience only added to the internal strength she has carried for nearly a century.
99 Years of Equality
As Donna celebrated her 99th birthday this past March, we asked her what advice she has for the younger generations. In a world that often feels divided, her response was timeless:
“I’ve had lots of friends. I’ve had rich friends and poor friends, and I always treated them the same. I’m not any better than anybody else, and they’re not any better than me.”
Join Us in Celebrating Donna!
Donna chose Carriage Crossing in Arcola to stay close to the roots she planted decades ago, and we are so lucky she did. She reminds us every day that treating everyone with the same respect—regardless of status—is the simplest secret to a life well-lived.
