Donna Belle (Torgerson) Nelson

Donna Belle Nelson (nee Torgerson)

Age 78 of Joliet and formerly of Lemont, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Amita Health Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born December 16, 1942 in Chicago, Donna was a daughter of Leon and Lillian (Connolly) Torgerson. She was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from St. Philomena Catholic School. While at St. Philomena, Donna earned a secretarial degree and with that would go on to work for Argonne National Laboratory in the physics division. She dedicated over 30 years to Argonne until retirement.

On June 24, 1961, Donna married her true love, Edwin Nelson in St. Philomena Catholic Church. Together Donna and Ed would make a home and raise their family in Lemont. She was strong in her faith and a devoted member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Joliet, and enjoyed being part of Vacation Bible School and other church events for years. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and various bowling leagues with her girlfriends through the years.  Donna was a great cook and an even better wife, mother and grandmother. She made sure that everyone was taken care of and a stranger was a friend she never met yet.  In later years, Ed and Donna loved to travel to their vacation homes. One in Gulf Shores, Alabama and the other in Wisconsin. Once again, everyone was always invited. Donna was a selfless and caring friend to all and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years: Edwin Nelson; daughters: Kris (Todd) Hayden and Diane (Bradley) Slachetka; grandchildren: Kory and Camron Hayden and Carter, Nolan and Myles Slachetka; sisters: Nancy (Lou) Sylvester and Patricia (Thomas) Stocker; her sweet ‘Lil  Bella, as well as numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents: Leon and Lillian; brother: Gerald Torgerson, and mother and father-in-law: Albert Edwin and Evelyn Nelson.

Per Donna’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

A celebration of Donna’s life is being held at a later date. For those wishing to attend the celebration, the family is requesting guests contact Diane or Kris for more information.

Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Donna’s memory to the Alzheimer Foundation of America: //alzfdn.org