Donna L. Eggers, 66, of Forest Park, died July 31. She was born Oct. 12, 1946 to the late Edward and Cora Eggers (nee Castellani).
Many remember Donna patrolling left-field at the park during the summer months where her bat and arm were well respected within the women’s 16-inch softball community and are still talked about today. She also spent time on those same fields as the coach of the Cubs and Tigers in the minor and major leagues, respectively. One of the more notable moments of her coaching days came in the 1982 Forest Park Little League season when she led the Tigers into the league championship against the Phillies with a much talked about controversial ending — followed by a celebratory night at Pizza Hut.
Donna was also a huge Chicago sports fan, highlighted by watching the DePaul Blue Demons in the late 1970s and early 80s, her long suffering Cubs on a yearly basis, the Super Bowl Bears in ’85, the Jordan led Bulls of the 90s, and most recently the 2013 Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks.
When not playing sports or watching the local professional teams, Donna was often seen at her nephews’ and nieces’ sporting events. From the Benet Academy basketball court to the local baseball and fast-pitch softball fields, Donna was an ever-present supporter.
She was sister of Gary and Dianne Eggers, aunt of Marc (Amy)Rossi, Gary, Scott (Becky), Michael (Jennifer) and Brian Eggers. She was great aunt of Samuel, Isabel, Cecilia, Hazel Anne, Jonathon and Esther Lynn Rossi and Jorie, Gabriel, and Elijah Eggers. Donna is also survived by many loving friends and extended family.
Funeral Mass was held Aug. 3 at St. Bernardine Church with arrangements by Zimmerman Harnett.
