Doris Elaine (Robinson) Donahue

Doris Donahue passed away peacefully near her home in Lexington, MA at age 95. Doris was born in North Cambridge, MA and spent most of her life in Lexington, MA. Doris married James Donahue in 1943 and had ten children: James Jr., Micheal, Ronald, Edward, Joseph, Susan, Charles, Mariann, Ellen, and Mark. She was preceded in death by her husband James and sons James Jr. and Michael. She is also survived by a sister Pauline Sullivan, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends.

Doris, had an amazing life and was an inspiration for all that knew her. At age forty-six she was widowed with five children still at home. Incredibly, after being a housewife for over thirty years she restarted her education and began pursuing a career in nursing by earning her GED and then graduating from nursing school. For over thirty years, she worked in numerous hospitals and nursing homes until retiring in 2008.

Several of Doris’ children migrated to California and Doris became a bi-coastal resident spending much time living and working in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, CA as well as in Massachusetts. She made friends easily and remained active throughout her life. Anyone who knew her was better for it. Up until age 93, she regularly attended water aerobics with her close group of friends collectively known as the “Mermaids.” As her body continued to decline, her mind remained sharp. She was particularly known for her ability to remember all of her extended family’s birthdays including: her children’s and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and great grandchildren!

She will be remembered by all for her incredible work ethic, her care and nurturing of her family, selflessness, and concern for others. Funeral services will be held on August 23 and 24 at the Douglas Funeral Home, Lexington, MA.