Joanne Marie Donahue

Joanne entered this world on December 10, 1935, a proud daughter of the McCarthy clan, born to Florence and Daniel. Raised in the Irish heart of West Roxbury, MA, she carried the spirit of her roots through the halls of Mount Alvernia High School and into her first job as a telephone switch operator. A woman of grace and rhythm, she was always active in her community and never missed a chance to take to the dance floor.

While pursuing her studies, she met and married the true love of her life, Jack Donahue. Their journey took them from the plains of Minot, ND, to the halls of Washington, DC, eventually planting deep roots in Virginia. Together, they raised two children, Denise and Danny, to whom Joanne devoted her every prayer and moment.

A Life of Faith and Service

Joanne’s life was a testament to her devotion. A “pillar of the parish” wherever she went, she spent years dedicated to the Christian Family Movement, Cursillo, and Youth Encounter. Her faith was matched by her intellect; she earned her BA in Social Work from George Mason University and served with distinction as a Trainer for the CIA until her retirement in 1995.

Even in “retirement,” Joanne’s hands were never idle. She was a devoted parishioner of Saint Anthony’s, Queen of Apostles, and Our Lady Queen of Peace. Her appreciation for beauty led her to volunteer as a Docent at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, while her heart for service led her and Jack to champion St. Coletta of Greater Washington, supporting families touched by intellectual disabilities and autism.

Cherished Memories

Joanne lived a life full of “craic” and travel. Whether she was exploring the world with Jack, feeling the salt air at the beach, or enjoying a quiet picnic watching the planes at DCA, she found joy in the simple and the grand. For over 25 years on Dahill Place, her home was a sanctuary for friends and family alike. In her later years in Lorton and at Silas Burke Sunrise, she continued to weave a tapestry of lifelong friendships, always remaining the heart of her family.

Family Legacy

Joanne was a devoted mother and mother-in-law to Denise Donahue Wieder (Adam) and a cherished “Nana” to Ryan and Danya Wieder. She is also survived by her niece Lauren Tafur (Nino), and nephews Kevin McCarthy (Angie) and Jack McCarthy, along with their beloved families.

She now joins those who went before her: her son Daniel Kevin Donahue (1974), her brother John Daniel “Jack” McCarthy (2017) and his wife Mary Lou (2022), and her soulmate, Jack Donahue (2023).

Visitation will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22151, on May 2, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will follow on May 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life and Reception from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that tributes be made to

St. Coletta of Greater Washington, DC,

a cause forever dear to Joanne’s heart.

https://www.stcoletta.org/donate/

“May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and

until we meet again, may God hold you

in the palm of His hand.”