Donna Royce Anderson, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on March 12, 2026 after a brave and hard-fought fight with pancreatic cancer, at age 79. Donna was born in Rockford, IL on June 20, 1946, to Roy and Alice Stone.

Donna is survived by her husband of 36 years, Raymond Hodowanic; her son, Eric Anderson (Erin) and stepson, Mark Hodowanic (Amy Cotter); She was immensely proud of her grandchildren Maja, Cecilia, Lilah, Cara, Savannah, Mason, and Owen, who she loved to the moon and stars, and her sister Paula Fitzpatrick, her nieces and nephews John Brandeis (Tara) Mike Stone (Val), Laura Linley (Randy Lunquist), Mark Powell, Teresa Mallo (Jason), Melinda Brazier (Greg), Jeff Powell, Brian Stone (Kelly), David Stone (Lorraine); as well as 22 great nieces and nephews and six great-great nieces and nephews, who she absolutely adored. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mark Stone, sister-in-law Penny Stone, brother-in-law John Fitzpatrick, and lifelong best friend, Cathy Schocker.

Donna graduated from East High School, Class of 1964. Some of the places she worked included Barber Coleman, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and Rockford Swedish Historical Society.

Donna was a devoted Lutheran whose strong faith was a central part of her life. She was a proud life-long member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and always gave her time and energy to her Emmanuel community, making lifelong friends who became family. She volunteered for countless causes within Emmanuel including the main office, the Mutual Ministry Committee, Sunday School and Confirmation Teacher, Food Pantry, Soup Kitchen, Stephan Ministry Coordinator, Minister of Communion, and Ministry Team Member. Donna also supported the MELD Groups and WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). She was a lifetime member of the Rockford Swedish Historical Society and volunteered for many of their events and was the main organizer of their kubb tournament from 2010-2013. She was an avid and beloved member of the kubb community and volunteered countless hours for the U.S. National Kubb Championship.

Donna had many amazing travels and loved to share stories of her trips with others and relive the memories in her mind. She was able to visit Sweden (where all her relatives were from) three times and visit the communities, churches, and homesteads of her relatives, which was the pinnacle of her travels. She especially loved time spent at Pleasant Lake, WI with family and friends, making special meals for family, looking at the moon and stars, giving backrubs, searching for the perfect gifts, and hosting the family Swedish Christmas party. What brought her the most happiness was attending her grandchildren’s and nieces and nephews families’ events, which truly filled her up with immense joy and pride and gave her endless smiles.

Donna’s Celebration of Life service is currently planned for 11:00 a.m. on May 29th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.