Barbara Lorrene Donnelly

Barbara Lorrene Donnelly passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at the age of 86.

Barbara was born on April 5, 1939, in Charles City, IA. She embraced life growing on the farm in a small town. Barbara was valedictorian in her high school class and continued her education in nursing school. She began her nursing career at a hospital in Chicago during the 1968 Chicago riots. Barbara furthered her education and earned her master’s degree. She spent time working in every facet of nursing and ended her career working in public health, which she truly enjoyed and found very rewarding.

Barbara married Albert Joseph “Joe” Bliss on May 18, 1968, in Evanston, IL and the pair was blessed with 3 children. Barbara was a devoted wife and mother. She became a widow after Joe passed away, but she found love again and was united in marriage to James “Jim” Donnelly.

Barbara was talented in the kitchen, excelling at cooking and baking.  She was a skilled quilter and made beautiful quilts that will be enjoyed for many years to come.  She had a deep appreciation for nature and birdwatching, volunteering for the McHenry County Conservation District.  Barbara was an avid reader and loved gardening, especially her beautiful tulips.  

Barbara loved spending time with her family and was overjoyed when she became a grandmother. She will be remembered for her gentle kindness and her devotion to others.

Barbara is survived by her children Drew (Julie) Bliss and Noelle (Jeffery) Wirth, Camille Bliss; stepchildren, Nancy Polnau, Jim (Sharon) Donnelly and Janet (JC) Hoffman; grandchildren Mariah Brittany and Nicholas Jeffery Wirth, Kaitlyn Elizabeth (Christian) Mennel, Eden (Braden) Endecott, Leia and Olivia Stapler, Hunter Polnau, Justin, Jordan (Samantha), Jacob (Bri) and Kiera Donnelly; sister, Francine (Bob) Krapp and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Joe Bliss, her second husband Jim Donnelly, her parents Irene and Lloyd Dougal, brother Ronald Dougal, and stepdaughter, Debbie Price. 

A memorial gathering will be from noon until 1 PM, immediately followed by a memorial service on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory, 1745 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL 60098.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Barbara's honor to the National Audubon Society, www.audubon.org 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersfhc.com

For more information, call the funeral home at 815-420-3030.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.