DONNA ELLEN FROST
Jan. 1, 1943-Jan. 12, 2015 
Donna Ellen Frost was my younger sister. We went everywhere together and did everything together. My sister was my best friend.
Donna was the first New Year’s baby, born just seconds after midnight on Jan. 1, 1943. She was born in Springfield, at St. John’s Hospital, the daughter of Pete and Mary Urbanckas. For being the first New Year’s baby Donna was bestowed with many gifts. She was given a bassinet for our mother to rock her in. The hospital bill was paid for our father. Even coal was given for our parents Pete and Mary’s furnace. Our parents were very happy. My sister’s birthday was always super because we celebrated the New Year simultaneously.
Donna attended Lanphier High School, Class of 1960, and belonged to National Honor Society. She was 6’1” tall and slender. People often said she would make a fine model. Donna met George Robert “Bob” Frost and was married Feb. 8, 1969. They often went on dates at Island Bay Yacht Club where Bob liked to sail in competitions. They had a wonderful marriage. Bob and Donna had two children, Jennifer and Brent. Jennifer married Tom Berola and has two children, Tyler and Connor. My sister introduced religion to her children. She also told her children and grandchildren about having Lithuanian heritage. Donna was a loyal employee of Illinois Times for many years. She was a typesetter and brightened the Seventh Street office with her cheerfulness.
Donna was a supporter and advocate of the arts. She loved musicals and plays. One of her favorite things to do was see her grandson, Tyler, perform in shows at the Springfield Muni Opera. She liked to see her son, Brent, in plays at Ursuline Academy and also at The Muni. Donna loved cheering and rooting on her grandson, Connor, for Auburn High School, at his basketball and football games. She also enjoyed visiting with her in-laws, Tony and Bobby Berola, at the games in Auburn.
Donna loved life and cared for many people. Donna passed to heaven Jan. 12, 2015. Although there is solace in knowing she is always with us in spirit, she is deeply missed and loved.
–Pat Mathews, Donna’s sister
