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Mary Donahue Obituary
Mary Rose Donahue passed away peacefully on May 19, 2022, she was 92 years old. Born, March 3, 1930, she grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where she developed an interest in theater and acting, performing in high school productions. She was a graduate of Loyola University, majoring in theater, where she acted with the Metropolitan Players, and at Loyola, Mundelein College and the Chevy Chase Summer Theater (IL). She went on to attend graduate school at Catholic University, attaining a Masters in Theater. She acted in numerous productions at Catholic University and off-Broadway plays and television in New York City. While at Catholic University, she met her husband, fellow actor John A. Donahue, whom she married. The couple moved to Columbus, Ohio, and later the Toledo area, living primarily in Toledo and Maumee and for a short time in Grenada and Montserrat, West Indies. Her husband John A. Donahue Sr. passed away in 1988. After his passing, she went on to another chapter in her life, auditing courses at the University of Toledo for 30 years, serving as a reader for the Sight Center of Northwest Ohio, attending numerous cultural functions in the Toledo area and traveling the United States and the world. On one of those trips, she met her friend, travel companion and partner John Archer. They enjoyed traveling and time together for over 20 years.
She is survived by her children, Paul Donahue, Peter Donahue, Elizabeth Huber, Matthew Donahue; eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Mary Rose was preceded in death by husband, John Donahue Sr.; sons, John Donahue Jr., James Donahue, Lawrence Donahue, William Donahue and companion, John Archer.
A celebration of life will be held at the Farmhouse at Wildwood Metropark, 4830 W. Central Ave, (East Entrance) Toledo, Ohio, Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
If you wish to honor Mary Rose Donahue, please make a donation by check in her name to the Library Legacy Foundation of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 325 North Michigan Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Donahue
1 Entry
Jeanne Hartig
August 1, 2023
I met Mary Rose and Archer on a Road Scholar trip to Peru in 2004. I happened to be working at the University of Toledo at the time--and she and I became good friends, despite our 20-year age difference. We spent time going to the movies, grocery shopping on weekends, and even taking a road trip to Ann Arbor. When I moved to Chicago, she came to visit me, taking the MegaBus from Toledo. I absolutely admired her grace, resilience, and wit. She played an important role in my life for many years. I will miss her.
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