Donna Marie (Duffy) Carpenter

Donna Marie Carpenter, 60, of Centralia passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. She was born on June 14, 1963, the daughter of John and Beverly (Roberts) Duffy in Revere, Massachusetts. She married the love of her life, Kevin Lee Carpenter on December 19, 1988, in Carlyle, IL and he survives her in Centralia.

Along with her husband Kevin, Donna is survived by her beloved family, stepmother and best friend, Ann Duffy; daughters, Michelle Duffy of Bethalto, Illinois Tarah (Travis) McClelland of Hillsboro, Missouri, Krisandra Carpenter of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Cantor (Amy) Carpenter of Xenia, Illinois; precious grandchildren, Noah, Kevin, Joshua, Matthew, and Iris; siblings, John “Jackie” (Ayumi) Duffy, and Kathy (Mike) Saviano; lifelong friend, Judy Warner; and many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, John Duffy; mother, Beverly Duffy.

Donna had a career that took her from Massachusetts to Dallas, TX where she was excited to work for Ross Perot’s company, then to Southern Illinois, where Donna met her heart’s desire, her husband, Kevin.  The two were inseparable and shared a love that was inspirational. She loved to attend to Kevin’s every need and they shared many wonderful conversations that always included laughter. Everyone who knew them noted that Kevin and Donna were best friends and had a marriage filled with love letters and selfless admiration. In fact, Kevin would always be telling others how wonderful his wife was, that strangers felt like they knew her and loved her just from his description. She will be remembered as the glue that held her family together, orchestrating, in her loving, micromanaging way, to keep everyone doing what they should be doing. Donna loved the magic of Christmas and made sure to make her favorite time of the year special for her family and friends. She had her home covered from roof to floor with reindeer, Santas and candy canes. Donna had an easy way with people and never met a stranger. She enjoyed traveling, but her home was her heart, and she loved her family immensely. A little “too young” to be a grandma, her grandkids called her Donna until the time was right to transition to Grandma. She was extremely proud of all her grandchildren and would share with others about her grandson’s, Petty Officer Carpenter, Kevin L., career in the U.S Navy. Donna will forever be remembered as a kind, generous, and beautiful soul.

Donna’s family is hosting a private celebration of life gathering for close friends and family at Little Grove Fellowship Hall Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Online condolences and memories of Donna may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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