Joan E. Donohue, beloved mother of Diane and Karen Donohue, passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2025 at 85 years of age. She fought a hard battle with cancer which she fought courageously with everything she had right to the end.

She was born in Philadelphia PA to Margaret and William Gillespie on April 26, 1940. Joan was raised by her loving stepfather Anthony (Tony) Patete and mother Margaret. She married the love of her life Bill Donohue and raised her family in Spring Mount, Pa. She was a devout Catholic and loved watching the Canadian daily mass which gave her great peace.

Joan had various hobbies including riding horses, playing poker, flea-marketing, playing the ponies and shopping while finding the best deals. She enjoyed going to the casino to play her favorite slot machines with family and friends. She relished good food and was particularly fond of her mother's spaghetti and meatballs. She enjoyed a good glass of Ruby Port wine by Christian Brothers which she credited to Bob Wickersham for having introduced it to her. Some of her favorite memories of her early years were of going to the Wickershams to dance, sing, play cards and attend parties. She was a kind soul and a very generous person and gave to various charitable organizations over her lifespan. She always loved animals and had many horses, dogs and cats in her life.

Her favorite musical artist was Elvis Presley. She would say no one could sing Gospel like Elvis Presley and that he had the best Christmas Album. Another favorite was Andrea Bocelli with Celine Dion singing The Prayer.

Joan was a hard worker and worked till the age of 78 with her long-term employer Eagleville Hospital Drug and Rehab Facility.

In December of 2018, she moved to Bismarck, ND with her daughter Diane.

She was buried at Saint Anthony's cemetery in Linton, ND. Her final resting place was next to beautiful trees with views of rolling hills with horses, deer and other wildlife which she would have loved.

She is survived by her daughters Diane and Karen Donohue and by her sisters Peggy Rodriguez, Judy Heacock, Michael Koons and Patricia Kruljac. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters Anthony Patete, Bobby Patete, Leslie Scott and David Gillespie.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations so that a mass can be said in her name by the Canadian Church Daily Mass which she loved so much.

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