Signs in the windows of the Donatella Bistro on Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston say “closed until further notice” after owner Donatella Majore was killed in a traffic accident in West Rogers Park.
The Chicago Tribune reports Majore, 55, died after the motor scooter she was driving collided with a minivan at the intersection of Western Avenue and Pratt Avenue about 10:30 a.m. Monday.
The impact threw Majore to the pavement. She was taken in extremely critical condition to St. Francis Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 2:25 p.m. according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
The driver of the van was ticketed for traffic violations.
Sadness at Donatella’s passing
Our warmest thoughts and fondest memories of a wonderful woman go out to Donatella's family. My wife and I enjoyed many a lovingly prepared meal on Howard Street when she set up shop in our end of town. She will most definitely be missed but live on in our fond recollections.
We have been eating
We have been eating Donatella's food since she owned the little restaurant on Howard just west of Asbury. Her style of preparing and presenting food was certainly unique as was her fiery personality. How very sad she is now gone. Our condolences to her family and friends.
So sad. She was so gracious
So sad. She was so gracious to my husband and I when we visited her restaurant near closing.
This is very sad. We enjoyed
This is very sad. We enjoyed her restaraunt and Donatella's focus on simple, delicious and authentic. She, herself, was certainly authentic and we morn the loss in our community of a lovely person. Our condolences to her family and all who were close to her.
So sad…
This is so sad. We followed her from Howard to Sherman ave. She was such a gracious and beautiful person! My condolences to her family and friends.
So Sad
My son, next door neighbor to Donatella at Roger's Park, took me to her restaurant on my Birthday. Such a lovely experience, fine dinning, celebration, she came to our table for a personal visit. I will always remember that special day. Sympathy to her family and Chicago family.
Donatella Majore funeral
A funeral mass will be celebrated for her at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Margaret Mary Church, 2324 W. Chase Ave. in Chicago.
Very sad….you could feel
Very sad….you could feel her passion for food (and life) when she talked to you. She's cooking in a "higher kitchen" now. RIP Donatella.
Loss of a Great Neighbor
Donatella was a kind soul. It was comforting to have her living beside us in Casa Bonita.
Her restaurants (Howard Ave and Evanston) were always #1 on our list of choices to celebrate special occasions and/or when guests and family would visit. The food was divine, but, Donatella's presence is what made the experience complete.
To be around someone who was driven with such passion and focus has been a blessing for me and my wife Janelle.
Arrivederci, mia carissima amica Donnatella…
A terrible pity to lose such a lovely dear friend in such a pointless way. Good that she lived life in its fullest and brought joy to so many. I will miss my amica Donatella. Eat, drink and be merry… A great loss to Evanston, to her family, to my family, to my heart. Ciao, ciao, bellissima……