Jacqualine "Jackie" Donahue

1973 - 2025

Jacqualine "Jackie" Donahue
Born: January 24, 1973 in Ottawa, IL
Died: October 7, 2025 in Dekalb, IL
Jacqualine (Jackie) Dawn Donahue, 52, passed away October 6, 2025, in the company of loved ones following a courageous, hard-fought battle with cancer.
Jackie was born in Ottawa, Illinois on January 24, 1973. Numerous people, including family members, played key roles in her formative years.
She graduated from Serena High School in 1991, where she met her lifelong mentor and supporter Glen Riemann. Always in her corner, Glen encouraged Jackie to follow her dreams regardless of how big, wild or far-fetched they may have seemed. With Glen's encouragement Jackie turned a life-long love of dogs into a career. After graduating from the Great Lakes Academy of Professional Pet Styling in Claredon Hills, Illinois, Jackie opened Shampooch in Ottawa in 2004. In the early days Jackie's beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Mr. Grunt, was a constant presence at Shampooch, including the shop's most recent location on Court Street.
A life-long horse woman with a successful show career spanning four decades, Jackie's love of horses led her to some of her most important relationships. It was at the LaSalle County 4-H Fair where she met Jason Donahue while they were both showing horses. Only in their early teens, Jason asked Jackie out for a decade before she agreed to a date. On June 11, 2005, Jackie and Jason married with Mr. Grunt proudly standing up in the bridal party.
Jackie continued to support LaSalle County 4-H while also maintaining memberships with American Quarter Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association and Illinois Valley Horseman's Association. Jackie loved trail riding and snow skiing with family in Colorado.
Family was important to Jackie, and she often made efforts to nurture those connections. And family went beyond relatives as Jackie's generous nature and boundless empathy drew people close. As a host parent, Jackie grew to consider Carol, a Brazilian foreign exchange student, a second daughter.
Jackie was known to take care of everybody, including animals, and for being a cautious driver. She freely shared her skill set with anyone who wanted help, including at least four groomers who now have their own shops.
Jackie is survived by her husband of 20 years, Jason, and daughters Rylie and Carol, as well as a multitude of loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her younger sister Melissa.
Visitation will be held at Gladfelter Funeral Home in Ottawa on Tuesday, October 14, 2-6 p.m. Funeral services will follow with Father Nicolas Wilson officiating. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to the Reining Horse Foundation, www.reiningfoundation.com and Project Purple, www.projectpurple.org.