Patricia Lucia Donahue

Dr. Patricia Lucia (PattiLu) Montella Donahue passed away on Jan. 12, 2024, at her home in Springfield, Va., after a brief illness. She was a graduate of West Scranton High School and earned both a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in counseling from Marywood University, a master's degree in sport management from Drexel University, and a Ph.D. in sport management from Troy University. Dr. Donahue taught in the Scranton public school system in the mid-1970's and served as a counselor for Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU) in the late 1970's. Beginning in 1981, she worked for several law firms in Washington, D.C. and was employed by Lathem & Watkins legal firm at the time of her death.

PattiLu was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Montella (nee Coviello), in 2002; and her father, Patsy "Bucky" Montella, in 2008; and is survived by her husband, Thomas (Springfield, Va.) with whom she recently celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary, her brother Dr. Joseph Montella and his partner, Dr. James Dean (Philadelphia, Pa.); her cousin, Dr. Marylu Coviello (Ridgewood, N.J.); and numerous cousins on her father's side of the family. She is also survived by six stepchildren, Dr. Thomas Donahue, Marie Donahue, Dorothy Donahue Mariotti, Christopher Donahue, Rosalie Donahue Matthews and Rena Donahue Wilson; 12 stepgrandchildren and four stepgreat-grandchildren.

PattiLu will be remembered for her culinary skills and her ability to host dinners that catered to and pleased the eclectic tastes of her guests. She had an uncanny knack for selecting and beautifully wrapping the most perfect, memorable gift that receivers didn't know they needed and then couldn't live without. She was a consummate professional whose organizational skills were legendary, receiving lavish praise from those who were fortunate enough to have her championing their projects. She loved pets, especially her dogs, Max and Otto. Her friends and family will remember her as a very good, very kind and very caring person.

Dr. Donahue's remains will be interred at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton, Pa., at a time to be chosen by her family.