Donalee Ann Masters

Donalee Ann Masters, 91 of Pekin, passed away at 8:02 am, Friday, June 17, 2022 at Hopedale Medical Complex in Hopedale, IL. She was born in July 29, 1930 in Santa Cruz, California to Donald and Mildred (Sadler) Gravelle. She married Lawrence T. Masters on September 9, 1950 in Soquel, California. He preceded her in death on July 1, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one of her two sisters. Her daughter Suzanne Masters passed on December 2 2019. Donalee is survived by: two sons, Donald (Karen) Masters of Capitola, California and Michael (Deborah) Masters of Fairfax, Virginia. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Kirsten Masters, Callie Schweitzer, Coree Simpson, Eric Masters and Anne Masters. She also had six great grandchildren. She loved them all and considered herself fortunate to see all of her grandchildren grow into adulthood. She spent a career working as an educator at Schramm Education Center in Pekin and had a lifelong passion for special education. She also served as Chairperson of the Board of Court Counseling in Tazwell County in the 1980s. In addition, she worked for many years with the League of Women Voters and numerous civic organizations including many years supporting the Pekin Hospital League as a volunteer at the gift shop there. She was a stalwart presence in the Peoria annual "Walk for the Cure" for as many years as she could. She enjoyed travel and traveled the world, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Ireland, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom. When 80 she fulfilled a personal dream and traveled from Pekin to see the Great Wall of China and the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, China. Per her wishes, no services will be held. Cremation has been accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin, IL. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614.