Violeta A. Donahue

Hyannis, MA - Violeta passed away at the age of 74, on July 24, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She is now reunited with her husband and at peace.

Born in San Piedras, Puerto Rico, Violeta was the daughter of the late Juan and Alice Millan. She grew up in the Bronx and spent much of her early life looking after her younger siblings.

When Violeta married Donald Donahue, Jr. at the age of 20, he introduced her to new experiences and foods like spaghetti and strawberry daiquiris. There was a lot of "yes dear" and "you're right Vi" – but their marriage lasted for 47 strong years until Don’s passing in 2015. She was also a kindhearted, sensitive mother who fiercely loved her family and celebrated her four children’s many accomplishments.

Despite the gender norms of the time, Violeta worked hard to prioritize her family, career, and higher education. She never let anything hold her back. After moving to the Cape, Violeta returned to school in her forties. With her children at home and while working full time, she participated in the Women in Transition program at Cape Cape Community College and went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree from Regis College. She was also an accomplished poet with published works.

She started her career in banking in Manhattan and worked her way up to Assistant Branch Manager with Connecticut National Bank. Later she worked for Wells Fargo’s armored car division. She would casually tell stories about carrying bags of cash and beating all “the guys” at their marksmanship tests. She always wanted to serve her community as a police officer, and never quite gave up on that dream. Later in life, she became a member of the 2019 Barnstable Police Department Citizens Police Academy and BPD volunteer.

Violeta was a selfless and loving grandma who would drop everything to spend time with her grandchildren. She spent countless hours babysitting, brushing hair, telling stories, throwing balls, and letting little ones stay up past their bedtimes. She always found joy in the little things: like dancing, painting, running errands, helping with projects, and finding a good deal. You couldn't take her to a movie without her laughing, guessing the ending, sharing “important” commentary throughout, or pulling the best treats out of her bag.

And of course, Violeta’s faith was always central to her identity. During her short time as a young girl in Puerto Rico, she would watch the processions of people on their way to mass and always took great comfort in her relationship with God. She served her church faithfully and joyously as a CCD teacher for over 50 years, most recently with Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich, MA for several decades. Her students remember her quick smiles and patience – lots of patience. She was also looking forward to her involvement in the upcoming Fidelis women’s mentorship program.

Violeta was known for her spunk and zest for life. Her joy, kindness, and strength are carried on by her children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren: Violeta & John Wells and their son John Wells IV and his fiancée Natasha Walton, April Donahue-Dawson & Jeff Dawson and their daughters Caitlynne and Kylie Dawson, Donald Donahue III & Tracy Donahue and their children Donald Donahue IV and Elora Donahue, and Richard & Danielle Donahue and their children Landen and Lillian Donahue. She is also survived by her seven siblings: Alice Millan, Victoria Millan, Maria Donahue, John “Blondie” Millan, Edward Millan, Rosalinda “Rosie” Arroyo, Migdahlia “Millie” Finnelli.

A wake will be held on Sunday, July 31 from 2–6 p.m., Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home: 154 Route 6A, Sandwich, MA 02563.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 1 at 11 a.m., Corpus Christi Parish: 324 Quaker Meeting House Rd, East Sandwich, MA 02537. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery: Connery Ave, Bourne, MA 02532.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Fidelis Chapter at Corpus Christi Parish in Violeta’s memory. Online donations can be directed here by adding “In Memory of Violeta” in the name field: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z4YP/campaign/C-12QDR.

Friends can share condolences and sign her online register book at www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.