03/18/1943 - May 12, 2025
Donna L. Challand, 82, of Steward, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at Manor Court of Rochelle. She was born March 18, 1943, in Rochelle, the daughter of Milo and Margaret (Hannon) Pullin. She married Chalden F. “Chal” Challand on November 9, 1963, in Rochelle.
Donna was a 1961 graduate of Rochelle Township High School. She had an avid love for music and played numerous instruments, including clarinet, piano, and organ. She was the organist for Methodist churches in Scarboro, Compton, and Paw Paw. She was a member of the Rochelle Municipal Band from high school through 2021. She loved singing in the yearly holiday cantata at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church. Donna worked as an administrative assistant in the precast industry for over 35 years. She served as an election judge for Willow Creek Township as Lee County. She loved taking trips to Disney World with her husband, Chal, and family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her.
Donna is survived by her three children, Stephen (Stephanie) Challand of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Mark (Kari) Challand of Steward, and Dawn Challand of Earlville; three grandchildren, Matthew (Ashley) Thorson, Megan (A.J.) Wiley, and Austin (Christina) Challand; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Mike (Karry) Pullin; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Chal Challand; and her sister, Carol Pullin.Cremation care has been provided by Torman Funeral Home, Paw Paw. A celebration of life will take place at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 370 Wiley Avenue, in Paw Paw with Pastor David Hamer officiating. Memorial visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Private interment will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shabbona at a later date. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
Donna replaced me working at the Rochelle Hospital Gift Shop. I worked the mornings and she the afternoon. She always came a few minutes early and we would have the nicest visits talking about our kids and grandkids. Of course with us both being “townies” we both knew a lot of the same people. I always looked forward to seeing her. She was a great lady. *
Comment *I worked 21 years at the precast plant in Rochelle with Donna. She was my go to person in the office when I needed help with something. She always greeted me with a smile and was more than willing to help. Donna was great at her job and even better as a person. What a wonderful lady!
I’m so grateful for all the times that I got to hang out at the house and laugh and talk with Donna. Great memories of a great lady who really made us all feel at home when we were in her home. Thank you for sharing your mom with all that knew and loved her Steve, Mark and Dawn. May Donna rest in peace back with Chal and may the family find peace and joy in the many memories, especially when they need them the most.