Obituary of Donna Jean Rankin

Donna Jean Rankin, of Denville, New Jersey, was called to eternal life on Friday, February 28, 2025 with her daughter by her side.  She was born on May 26, 1932 in Evergreen Park, Illinois to A. Elmer and Frances C. Jabusch. Donna shared 92 years of faith and love with all who knew her. Beloved wife of Barry Rankin (deceased), devoted mother of Christi (Ryan) Swier, most loving grandmother of Samuel and Evangeline Swier; fun loving sister of Fr. Willard Jabusch (deceased); beloved aunt and cousin to many; friend, mentor and inspiration to countless.

After pursuing pre-med and receiving an RN, she joined the convent of Little Company of Mary Sisters in Evergreen Park, IL. Donna worked at several hospitals as Director of Nursing, ultimately, receiving her Doctoral Degree in Psychiatric Nursing in 1981. She taught under grads and graduate students at Loyola University Chicago as well as had a private practice in Marriage and Family Therapy for 25 years. She married the love of her life in 1970 and spent 48 beautiful years married until Barry’s passing in 2018. In 2013, Barry and Donna moved from Lincolnwood, IL to the Oaks in Denville, NJ to be near their daughter and her family. While at the Oaks, Donna kept herself busy, singing and enjoying life with new friends that became family.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, 10:00 AM in Mt. Lakes, NJ at St. Catherine’s Church. On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Sheil Catholic Center of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL there will be a Memorial Mass at 10:30 AM. Internment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Donna's name by way of www.inmemof.org to the good work of the Catholic Medical Mission Board. Please share your favorite memory of Donna here to continue to commemorate her life.