Dona Bahr

Dona Rae Bahr, 83, long-time resident of The Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, Ill., passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Dona was born in Chicago on January 24, 1942, the daughter of the late Raymond and Ruth Greenwald (Hodges). She grew up in the Jefferson Park neighborhood, attending St. Constance School, graduating from THE Immaculata High School where she was the co-editor of The Green Tile News, and then Edgewood College in Madison, Wisc. Dona married John Wayne Bahr of Moose Lake, Minn., in 1964. They enjoyed living in Sioux City, Iowa, before returning to Chicago to raise their family and joyfully celebrated their 60-year wedding anniversary in 2024. She was one of four generations in her family to work at Wolke & Kotler, a popular department store in Jefferson Park. Dona taught at high school, grade school and pre-school levels, sharing her love of learning with countless students. She used her knowledge of shorthand and Latin for notes and conversations she chose to keep private. Her friends and family admired her sharp wit and sense of humor. Dona is survived by her husband John Wayne Bahr, daughter Carol Lucarelli, son Jeffrey (Sarah) Bahr, and daughter-in-law Elaine Bahr; grandchildren Mary Bahr (Maurice Wise), Agnes Bahr, Frank Bahr, Joshua Bahr, Evan Bahr, Cecelia Lucarelli and AJ Lucarelli; her first great-granddaughter, Constance Wolf; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond Greenwald Jr. and Gary Greenwald, and her son, Jay Bahr. Visitation and a funeral Mass will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church at 5136 N. Nottingham Ave., Chicago, Ill., where Dona was an active member and long-time parishioner. Visitation will start at 10:00am and Mass at 11:00am on Friday, November 28, 2025. Burial will follow immediately at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery at 8600 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, Ill. The family would appreciate any memorials be directed to Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary through their website – https://www.bvmsisters.org/support-our-mission/online-donations/ – or via mail to 1100 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, IA 52003, to care for the order’s retired religious.

Dona Bahr

January 24, 1942 - September 16, 2025

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