Nancy Lee Donahue (1931-2021) went to all her children’s athletic events

Nancy Lee (Highbarger) Donahue, age 90, of Roscoe, IL passed away at home on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

She was born in Freeport, IL on February 13, 1931, daughter of Clifford and Lillian (Mills) Highbarger. Nancy graduated from Freeport High School, Class of 1949 and later worked there as secretary for 24 years. She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Freeport and later in life, she attended weekly Mass at Siena on Brendenwood where she was also very active with the event planning committee. Nancy married Paul E. Donahue on May 20, 1950. The two of them were proud members of the Germania Club of Freeport. 

Nancy enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and poker. Most importantly, she cherished her time spent with family which included attending all of her children’s athletic events while they were in school, hosting family gatherings, cooking for holidays and many memorable vacations together. Nancy will be dearly missed.

Surviving relatives include her children, Dan (Dawn) Donahue, Dennis (Beth) Donahue, daughter-in-law, Teresa Donahue and son-in-law, Dean Baker; grandchildren, Devin Donahue, Derek (Amy) Donahue, Jeff (Tory Pappas) Donahue, Emily (Steve) Dickey, Lindsay (Michael) Mayfield, Laura Junco, Greg Meyer (Christine Bagtas), Lesley (Josh) Wallace; great-grandchildren, Emma, Callen, Logan, Ryan, Rebecca, Jacob, Ayden and Candice; numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Brian (Mary) Donahue and sister-in-law, Mary Donahue; special friend, James Hodapp. Nancy is predeceased by her parents; husband, Paul; daughter, Diane Baker; son, Douglas Donahue and sister, Sylvia “Babe” Tucker.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. located at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. Rockford, IL 61102. Final resting place will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Freeport, IL immediately following services at the church. Those attending services must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

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Arrangements were entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.

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