Notifications

No notifications
We will send an invite after you submit!

Hettie's obituary

Hettie Kinsley Donahue, beloved mother, wife, grandmother and friend went to be with the Lord December 8, 2019, at the age of 90. She was admired by many for her love for Christ, quick wit and humor, warm smile and beautiful artwork. She was born June 4, 1929, in Philadelphia at the onset of the Great Depression, which produced frugality and perseverance in her life, among other admirable traits. There her parents, William P. and Anna Kinsley, raised her and her two sisters, Lois and Janice, previously both deceased. She graduated from high school and worked as a dental hygienist for renowned Dr. Morton Amsterdam and Dr. James Dannenberg. In Philadelphia she married the love of her life, John E. Donahue, August 5, 1949, who preceded her in death April 18, 2006. They attended and were active at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ. Hettie and John moved to Warminster, PA, in 1967, where Hettie served faithfully in the choir and volunteered at historic Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church, and later at Davisville Baptist Church in Southampton, PA. The years in Warminster were spent as a devoted mom and as an office manager for two area dentists. In 1988 she and John moved to Sun City Center Florida where they attended Trinity Baptist Church. There she volunteered at local women’s prison ministry, mentoring, encouraging and supporting young women inmates. It was in Florida that Hettie began to flourish as an artist, winning several awards for her portraits of family and friends, as well as exotic animals. These retirement years provided much joy and many wonderful friendships. In 2011, Hettie moved to EastGate Manor, Algonquin, IL, and attended Willow Creek Community Church. With grace and grit she faced a number of medical challenges in recent years, yet maintained a vigilant prayerfulness, an upbeat posture, a generous spirit and a compassionate heart. She is survived by son John of Gulfport, MS, and son William and his wife Gail of Dundee, IL; grandchildren Ryan and Kinsley Donahue. She is at peace with the Lord Jesus whom she served and loved, and will be deeply missed by many.

MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2020, 1:00PM AT GUEST CENTRAL, WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH, WITH A RECEPTION TO FOLLOW. Family friend Dr. Andy Hartman, PsyD, officiating. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Willow Creek Community Church and designate “Prison” on the check, 67 E. Algonquin Rd., S. Barrington, IL 60010.

Print this obituary

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Want to stay updated?

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to any cause of your choice.

Share your memories

Post a photo, tell a story, or leave your condolences.

Get grief support

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.
×

Stay in the loop

Hettie Donahue