Bertha "Bertie" Donahue

Bertha "Bertie" Donahue, 101, of Chardon, passed away July 12, 2026 at Maplewood of Chardon. She was born February 13, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late John and Magdalena Zilen. Bertha Donahue lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, resilience, and service to others. Whether as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, caregiver, or professional, she approached every role with grace, determination, and a generous heart. After marrying her beloved husband, Joseph ("Joe") Donahue, Bertha and Joe began their married life in his hometown of Binghamton, New York. A few years later, they returned to the Cleveland area, where they established their home and welcomed their son, Kevin, in 1958. As Joe's health declined following his retirement on disability, Bertha embraced the demanding role of caregiver while also raising their young son. She devoted herself tirelessly to both responsibilities—supporting Joe through his illness while ensuring Kevin had every opportunity to grow and thrive. She could often be found driving him to baseball practices and games, Boy Scout activities, music lessons, and countless other events. Through her unwavering love, encouragement, and guidance, she became not only a devoted mother but also a trusted mentor, supporter, and confidant. Following Joe's death in 1975, Bertha demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance by returning to the workforce while continuing to raise her teenage son. An accomplished executive assistant, she served senior leadership at several financial institutions, including the Chairman of the former Midwest Bank & Trust of Cleveland. She applied her strong organizational talents throughout her career. The challenges and experiences Bertha and Kevin shared forged an exceptionally close bond between them that endured throughout their lives. Family and friends often remarked on their special relationship. Among their favorite traditions were Saturday outings for light lunches on area patios whenever the weather permitted, creating treasured memories together over the years. Bertha was also especially close to her niece, Laura, who visited often and supported her in many ways. Bertha found great joy in her role as grandmother to Stephanie and Ryan. She delighted in attending their activities and took great pride in their accomplishments. In later years, she was further blessed by the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Addison and Ace Gilley. She loved hearing about their lives and activities and never failed to remember birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. When health concerns eventually led her to Maplewood Senior Living in Chardon, Bertha's warm and outgoing personality quickly made her a vibrant member of the community. She embraced the many opportunities available to residents, enjoying crafts, music, travel presentations, social gatherings, and the companionship of her dining-room "table buds." One of her favorite annual events was the November concert presented by members of the St. Gabriel Music Ministry, led by her son Kevin and wife Kelly, who brought the group to Maplewood each year. Throughout her life, Bertha's Catholic faith remained the foundation of who she was. She maintained a deep devotion to the Lord and was an active parishioner at St. Margaret Mary, St. Louis, St. William, and later St. Noel Parish, where she regularly volunteered at Lenten fish fries and numerous parish activities. Her faith remained strong throughout her later years at Maplewood, where she continued to nurture a rich prayer life, faithfully prayed the Rosary, and received the Eucharist each week through the ministry of clergy and parish volunteers from St. Mary's Parish in Chardon. Bertha's legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the faith she practiced so faithfully, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, strength, and unwavering love. Survivors include her son, Kevin (Kelly) Donahue; grandchildren, Stephanie (Ryan) Gilley and Ryan (Melony) Donahue; great grandchildren, Addison and Ace Gilley; nieces and nephews, Debbie (Joe) Feldman (nee: Sanders), Laura (Craig) Vernon (nee: Sanders), David (Colleen) Sanders and Charles (Marie) Praspal and many other loving family members and friends. Preceding her in death are her husband, Joseph M. Donahue; brother, John (Dorothy) Zilen; sister, Amelia (Charles) Praspal and niece, Diane (Thomas) Sanders. Family and friends will be received from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44060. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., at the church. Burial will be held at 1:45 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, in All Souls Cemetery, 10366 Chardon Rd., Chardon, Ohio 44024. Please meet at the entrance of the cemetery, off Rt. 6. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bertha’s honor may be made to the St. Gabriel Food Pantry, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Concord Twp. Ohio 44060. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Bertha "Bertie" Donahue

February 13, 1925 - July 12, 2026