Obituary of M. Carmel Donahue

M. Carmel Donahue of Saint John, wife of the late J. Joseph Donahue, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2011 at Bobby’s Hospice. Born at Saint John on September 12, 1923, she was a daughter of the late J. Joseph and Mary (Connell) O’Neill. Carmel was an active member of St. Peter’s Parish, where she was involved both in Lay Ministry and with the Catholic Women’s League. She was a tireless volunteer in her community, who canvassed for many charities over the years, and also worked at the Soup Kitchen on Water Street; however, her greatest joy was her family, to whom she devoted most of her life. Carmel is survived by two sons, Michael Donahue (Janet) and Jim Donahue (Angela) of Saint John; two daughters, Mary Pinet (Robert) of Bellingham, Massachusetts, and Maureen Creamer (Jim) of Saint John; grandchildren Rob Pinet (Tracie), Martha Henry (Chris), Jeremy Vandenberghe, Daniel Vandenberghe (Jaime), Timothy Vandenberghe (Linnea), Elizabeth Vandenberghe, Joe Donahue (Marla), Erin Donahue, Jane Logan (Josh), and Tom Donahue, Kate Robar (Steve), Gregory, and Eileen Creamer, Jamie (Teagan), Laura (Matthew Rahn), and Sadie Anne Donahue; 18 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Donahue of Saint John; and a nephew, John O’Neill (Mary). In addition to her parents, Carmel was predeceased by a daughter, Anne Vandenberghe; and by a brother, J. Gregory O’Neill. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Wednesday from 7-9 PM and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM from St. Peter’s Church, 50 Clarendon Street. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to Bobby’s Hospice, the Alzheimer Society, Romero House, or any charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances at www.brenansfh.com.