Donna Trombino

Donna Lee (Bathrick) Trombino of Antioch, Illinois, left this earth for heaven on Friday, January 16, 2026. She lived 88 ½ wonderful years with her family and rescued animals. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 15, 1937. After moving to upstate New York, to New Jersey, to the Cleveland area, she then ended up in Winnetka, IL, where she graduated from New Trier High School. Her family moved to Crystal Lake, IL, which is where she met her husband, James Trombino. They moved to Waukegan, IL and raised a family of four daughters. Known for her beautiful smile, Donna was a very devoted and loving wife and mother, with kind words and encouragement to all. Donna was a constant supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities. Accomplished at both herself, she taught her daughters how to ice skate and play the piano. She supported her husband’s sailboat racing at the Waukegan Harbor and vacationed many summers on Mackinac Island and down the Lake Michigan coast after races. She attended secretarial school in Chicago after high school and loved to work. She was the CFO for several family businesses: Lake County Office Equipment, Inacomp Computer Systems and Vigneto del Bino Winery. She enjoyed skiing with family and friends. She also appreciated quiet time, dining out with her husband, assembling jigsaw puzzles, or simply reading a good book. Donna and Jim moved to property in Antioch, IL about 32 years ago, where they continued their passion for helping animals. Throughout their life, they saved many dogs, cats, and birds. Her love for all animals was one of her greatest gifts to her family. Donna’s appreciation for nature also extended into the beautiful wildflowers and butterflies that they had on their property. During her time at their second home in Punta Gorda Isle, Florida she was a supporter of the Peace River Wildlife Refuge. Her husband was recently asked what he liked best about his wife, Donna, he replied “everything”. A testament to their love and years together.

Donna is survived by her loving husband, James Robert Trombino, married 69 years; her daughters: Laura (Jack Lafferty) Trombino, Cynthia Trombino, Deb (Ed Williams) Trombino, Stephanie (Jeff) Meyer; her grandchildren: John (Lauryn) Lafferty, Jake (Breya Fortenberry) Meyer, Faye (Jay) Owens, Carson Moore, Courtney Meyer, Brendan Moore, Savannah (Nick) Eimers, Rachel Moore; and her great-granddaughter: Sophie Lafferty.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father (Dorothy and Roy Bathrick), sisters (Nancy Abrath and Judy Lawrence) and her grandson (Logan Ghormley).

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026, at the Warren Funeral Home, Gurnee, IL. Visitation is from 9:30-11:00am, service at 11:00am. In lieu of Flowers, please donate in Donna’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or your local animal shelter.