In the early morning of November 18, 2025 Donna Marie Hurd was welcomed in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Born on February 3, 1943 to Salvatore Carl Rotolo and Evelyn Marie Eschenbaum in Rockford, Illinois. She spent her 82 years pouring love, compassion, and kindness into the world, and the imprint of her heart will remain with us forever.
A lifelong nurse, she dedicated her days to caring for others. Her hands brought comfort, her voice brought calm, and her presence brought peace. Even outside her work, she lived to lift others up — always loving, always giving, always ready to trade a back rub with anyone who needed it.
She found joy in the simple and the special: crafting, cooking, traveling, family and friend get-togethers, and game nights filled with laughter. These were the moments that made her happiest — surrounded by the people she loved.
She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Salvator and Evelyn Rotolo, her brother Sammy Joe, her husband Jim Hurd, and her brother-in-law Daniel Burd. What a reunion that must have been.
Here on earth, she leaves behind a family who loves her deeply: her sister Lori Burd of Rockford, Il, daughters Dana Thorn and fiancé Lonnie Williams of Tyler, Tx daughter Denise Eye of Largo, FL, granddaughter Tiffany Dresser of Lindale, Tx and great-grandson Ryker Rambatt of Lindale, Tx. Along with several other family members. Though our hearts ache, we hold tight to the beautiful memories she gave us.
She made her home in Largo, Florida, but her roots and much of her life were planted in Rockford, Illinois — places where she built friendships, raised her family, and touched countless lives.
Her journey here may be complete, but the love she gave continues on in every person she cared for, every life she brightened, and every memory we carry forward. Heaven gained one of its gentlest souls, and we are forever grateful for the time we had with her.
No celebration of life has been planned at this time. But if arrangements would like to be sent, please send to Dana Thorn 22221 Brierwood Dr. Frankston, TX 75763 or Denise Eye 487 Canary Ln Largo, Fl 33770.
In honor of her life please share a memory, your favorite picture, or anything you think of what you think of Donna.
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Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
One Response
Donna and I worked together at St. Joseph’s hospital in Belvidere. We were friends. She and I went on a vacation to Orlando, Fl in the early 1980’s. She was great nurse. She will be missed. Until I see you later.
Jean (Bush) Fraase