Madelyn Mary Donehue

January 13, 1928 – October 27, 2021 | Livonia, Michigan – Madelyn Mary Donehue, age 93, of Livonia, Michigan, entered into eternal rest with her family at her side and comforted by the memory of nearly a century of friendships. Born in 1928, Madelyn was blessed to be raised by her adoptive parents, William and Lyndon (Smith) Simpson. In 1952 Madelyn married Raymond P. Donehue, and spent 44 years with him until his death in 1996. Together they raised ten children, Kathleen Wojcik (dec’d.), Barbara Reber (Kevin Reber), Maureen Donehue (Ken Heiney), Mary Watson (Rodney Watson), Joseph Donehue (Colleen Kish), Ann Reeves (Michael Reeves), John Donehue (Patricia Soltis), Patrick Donehue (Judy Ostrander), Paul Donehue (Kristi Stasevich), and Mark Donehue (Nicole Malewski). She was a proud and loving grandmother to 23 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister Carol (Hinkley) McClure. She is predeceased by her husband Raymond, daughter Kathleen, and brother Larry Hinkley.

Madelyn graduated from Plymouth High School before working at Burroughs Corporation and for the USO at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago. A resident of Livonia since 1935, Madelyn was always engaged with her family and community, whether it was coaching girls’ softball, attending hundreds of her children’s events, or displaying her patriotism as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, John Sackett Chapter. Her strong Irish spirit and faith in Christ inspired her to rise to any challenge. At the time of her passing, Madelyn was the longest living continuous resident of Livonia, and the longest living parishioner of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, having been baptized there in 1937.

Madelyn was proud of her large family and enjoyed spending time playing euchre, fishing, pulling pranks, and reveling in her grandchildren’s escapades. Her quick wit, humor, and cheerful attitude made her a joy to be around.

Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Mass on Monday, November 1, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Livonia at 11:00 a.m., funeral in state at 10:30am. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Madelyn’s memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org/michigan

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Donehue family.