Donna Coate

EAST PEORIA – Donna Lee (McCormick) (Jaeger) Coate, 78, of East Peoria, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Villas of Holly Brook – Memory Care in East Peoria.

She was born December 5, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to William and Betty (Godbey) McCormick. Donna married Norman Jaeger in 1962 in Morton.

Surviving are her children, Todd (Christine) Jaeger of Tucson, Arizona, Matthew (Gail) Jaeger of East Peoria and Jill (J.P. Blin) Jaeger of Chicago; and grandchildren, Ashley Jaeger, Sarah Jaeger, Joshua Jaeger, Tanisha Jaeger, Jake Jaeger, Autumn Jaeger and Sam Blin.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jennifer Jaeger; grandson, Adam William Edward Jaeger; and brother, Gary McCormick.

In her last months, Donna was grateful for her time with her Visiting Angel, Brenda.

Donna worked at the UPS Depot in East Peoria in the early 1970’s, where she was the first female driver. She later worked in several retail establishments. Donna worked for American Airlines in Tucson, Arizona; retiring in 2008. Donna was known for designing and selling Mohair Teddy Bears. She traveled to a variety of collectible teddy bear shows which included London, England.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with Pastor Gage Reno officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 24 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday prior to the service, both at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roberts Cemetery in Morton.

Memorials may be made to Villas of Holly Brook – Memory Care in East Peoria.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.