Barbara Lee (Whitright) Donahue

Barbara Lee Donahue (nee Whitright) peacefully left us on February 27, 2024 at the age of ninety-nine.  She was the beloved mother of Jean (Donahue) Lorenz, Bob Donahue (Linda), Bill Donahue (Nancy), and Jim Donahue.  She was preceded in death by her parents Lee Whitright and Bernice (Inman) Whitright, her sister Jean (Whitright) Logan (Winford), husband Robert Donahue, son Bob and his wife Linda.  She was looked up to by her grandchildren Bill Lorenz, Beth (Lorenz) Schmauder (Chris), Brian Donahue (Cally), and Katie (Donahue) Wahl (Zach) and adored by her great-grandchildren Jonathan, Emma, Shepherd, McKinley, Nellie, Lincoln, and Ezlyn.  She was cherished and loved by many nieces and nephews.

She was born in Lodi, OH and graduated from Hiram College. She married the love of her life (Robert Donahue) in 1948 and worked at Deaconess Hospital as a Certified Medical Technologist and was the director of the laboratory there for many years. She always had a passion for learning and science.  In her spare time she enjoyed gardening and needlework.  Once retired, she spent time volunteering at Big Creek Elementary School's library, the Berea Methodist Church Homebuilders, and the Berea Children's Home (now OhioGuidestone) making sure every kid had a birthday card amongst other things.  She kept up with current events, always took time to vote, and did crossword puzzles daily.  She thought you should eat your dessert first and loved yellow roses.  She drank coffee daily, but also enjoyed celebrating with whiskey when appropriate.  She had a great sense of humor.  She never passed up a good tomato (or any tomato for that matter).   Her love of reading kept her quite busy and she loved to converse about the books she read.   She also enjoyed decorating for all the holidays, but especially loved sitting in front of the fireplace at Christmas time watching her favorite movie It's A Wonderful Life.  She lived for her family and spent many days cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She gave great hugs and even better advice.  She was a remarkable lady who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.  To honor her memory hug your loved ones, plant a flower, or recommend your favorite book to a friend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to OhioGuidestone or the Cuyahoga County Public Library in her name.

Calling hours will be held March 8, 2024 between 6-8 pm at Baker, Osinski, Kensinger Funeral Home at 206 Front Street, Berea, OH 44017 and is open to all family and friends.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 am on March 9, 2024 at Berea United Methodist Church located at 170 Seminary Street, Berea, OH 44017 and is open to all family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Lee (Whitright) Donahue, please visit our floral store.