Julia E. Donahue's Obituary
Julia Eileen Donahue, age 80, passed away in Muskegon, MI, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Julia was born on January 22, 1944, in Penticton, B.C., Canada, to Alec and Eileen (Light) Pawluk. On March 17, 1975, she married Pat Donahue, and the two of them spent many happy years together. Julie became a part-time Muskegon resident in 1997, one year before proudly becoming an American citizen. After four years in Toronto and eight years in Tokyo, Japan, she returned to Muskegon in 2009 as a full-time resident. She came to love her adopted hometown and was committed to making it a better community in any way she could. She adamantly believed that everyone has an obligation to give back to their community in any way that they can.
In addition to her family, Julie had many passions. She loved to travel, having visited 86 countries and 7 continents. In 2015 she achieved her goal of visiting all 50 U.S. States. She was an avid bridge player and loved to read. Wherever she lived she always gave her time and energy generously in support of numerous non-profit organizations, primarily those focused on helping kids. She was particularly fond of supporting Kids’ Food Basket Muskegon.
Julie will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Pat Donahue; daughter, Jane Rickerby of Toronto, Ontario; sons, Conan Donahue of Yellowknife, N.W. Territories, and Brendan Donahue of Invermere, B.C.; and her children’s families. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Julie was blessed with many friends in Muskegon and around the world. In her last days she often expressed her regret that she would not be able to say goodbye to them all. Per Julie’s wishes no funeral is being held, but in lieu of flowers please consider making memorial contributions to Kids’ Food Basket Muskegon. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442.
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