Mildred Helfrich Donahue

Mildred Helfrich Donahue

Manahawkin

Mildred Helfrich Donahue, passed away Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at Southern Ocean Medical Center, Manahawkin. Born in Bound Brook, where her family owned the Maple Lawn Dairy. The depression came and they lost everything. She moved to NY and attended Hunter College, City of NY and received a B.A. Degree. Her first position was secretary to Dr. Erich Hausmann, Dean of Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. She assisted in editing his book, Hausmann, Slack PHYSICS. Upon his death, she became administrative assistant to Henry Q. Middendorf, Dean of Students, and worked with Dr. Albert Capuro, Director of Admissions. She attended Columbia University at night and received her M.A. Degree in Education/Communication. She was offered a position as Assistant Principal at Eron Preparatory School in New York City. Responsible for many duties, she remained there for eight years until the school was sold and closed. An offer for a position with a congressman in Washington, D.C. was taken and she became U.S. Representative Henry B. Gonzalez's Director of Constituent Affairs. She traveled to his congressional office in San Antonio, Texas, twice a year.

She was the Congressman's liason with members of the military and the military academies. Acting in this capacity, she traveled to the military posts and academies, returning with suggestions and recommendations made by the military and names of possible candidates for the academies. She left Congressman Gonzalez to campaign and work for Jimmie Carter in the White House. She was a member of the Press Corp and traveled on Air force One with the President and press staff to attend his Town Hall Meetings. After leaving President Carter's office, she received a one-year assignment from Senator Patrick Leahy, VT, to assist a committee to investigate, print results and hold a Senate hearing regarding The Miroslay Medvid Incident. A budget of $250,000 was allocated for the project. After the hearing, she received an appointment to the department of State under secretary James Baker. She acted with the legal department and also assisted in the editing of The Regan Years. Upon retirement, Secretary of State and Mrs. Baker held a reception in the Franklin Room of the State Department. She was an active member of Christ Church, Washington, D.C., participating in their outreach program, Sunday morning breakfasts, bazaars, and community service. She was a member of the Christ Church Vestry. After retirement, she moved to New Jersey to be close to her family. She was active in church and founded St. Raphael's Preschool in Brick, NJ. She was the Director of the school until 2002 when she retired (again). She and members of St. Raphael's compiled, edited, and printed two cookbooks. In 2002, she moved to Manahawkin, NJ. and joined St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Waretown. She has been an active member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church Women (ECW) as president and treasurer of the Atlantic District ECW. She volunteered at their thrift outlet and supported many church programs.

Mildred is predeceased by her daughter, Diane and sister, Virginia DeBruijn. Surviving are her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Emily and Joseph Mrazek; three great-grandchildren, Joseph, Olivia and Delaney Mrazek; her son-in-law, Alan Lee; a sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Herbert Crowell; a niece, Loretta Puff and a nephew, Raymond DeBruijn.

A Requiem Mass at Holy Innocents Church, Beach Haven, NJ will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. Interment to follow in Holy Innocents Memorial Garden. Donations may be made to Holy Innocents E.C.W. and/or St. Jude Children's Hospital and/or The Packer Collegiate Institute "Diane Donahue Lee Travel Fund."

Family and friends are invited to the luncheon in Holy Innocents Martin Hall, immediately following the burial.