Donna J. Schopp Obituary (1939

Donna J. (Crouse) Schopp, age 86, of Pontiac, IL, passed away at 6:34 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, IL. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A private family graveside service will be held later this month at South Side Cemetery in Pontiac, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Food Pantry, Pontiac IL or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with her arrangements. Donna was born on December 17, 1939, in Pontiac, IL, to Lewis D. and Evelyn M. (Potter) Crouse. She married Joseph Schopp on November 22, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, IL. He survives in Pontiac. Other survivors include their children: Jolene (Steve) Gray of Pontiac, IL; David (Sandi) Schopp of Florida, Juliana Schopp-Nelson of Bloomington, IL; Jeff Schopp of Florida, Jean Smetzer of Pontiac, IL; grandchildren: Jillian (Toby) Oakes, Sabrina (Matt) Stotler, Alex (Kate) Schopp, Andy Schopp, Bailey Gray, Colton (Megan) Schopp, Allyson (Dustin) Uphoff, Audriana (Graham) Nechkash, Adrienne (Steven) Overmyer, Austin (Kaitlyn) Duncan, Joey (Rebecca English) Schopp, Zach Smetzer, Justine Smetzer, Carli Smetzer, Joshua Rowe, and 23 great grandchildren; and one sister: Joan (Jerry) Durham of Pontiac, IL. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, and one great-grandson: Larry Joseph Gray. Donna graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1957. She devoted her early years to being a loving homemaker while raising her children. Once her children were in school, she began her career at St. James Hospital, where she worked for more than 20 years prior to retiring. She was a proud and faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Town & Country/Fiesta Women's Bowling League, both in Pontiac. Donna was a talented seamstress who created exquisite wedding and baptismal gowns, bridesmaid, prom, and first communion dresses and clothing for her family and friends. She also found joy in painting pottery, macramé, crocheting, and reading. Over the years, she built an extravagant collection of dolls, Barbies, and lawn ornaments. Above all else, Donna cherished her family. She was happiest when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit—especially on Halloween, when she delighted in seeing them dressed up in their costumes. Donna’s pride and joy was her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and making as many loving memories with them as possible. Those memories will forever be remembered and cherished by those who loved her most. She will truly be missed by all of those who knew her and loved her. This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed, at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.