Memorial Trees
A
Anonymous
May 08, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Jeanne Louise (Hofer) Donahue
<p>Jeanne Louise (Hofer) Donahue, age 85, went to her eternal rest on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.</p><p><br></p><p>She was born on January 24, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Charles H. and Martha (Schimpff) Hofer. She married Daniel P. Donahue, Jr. on April 20, 1963, at Saint Mark's Catholic Church in Peoria. He passed away on January 21, 2022.<br></p><p><br></p><p>After attending grade school at St. Mark's, she graduated from the Academy of Our Lady in 1958. Jeanne earned a B.S. in L.A. & S. at Bradley University and was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honorary. Later, she returned to Bradley and earned a Master of Arts degree in 1991.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Jeanne worked for Peoria Park District, at Proctor Center, following graduation. Soon after, she earned her teacher's certificate and taught for a number of years while raising her children, her greatest life's work. Jeanne was an accomplished tennis player who counted the Peoria Women's Tennis Tournament in 1958 as her most cherished victory. She coached privately and for Peoria Park District and in the mid 80's as the coach of the girls' and boys' tennis teams at the Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute. Later, Jeanne worked for IL Mentor, a specialized foster care agency, until retiring in 2011.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Jeanne was a faithful Catholic who worked tirelessly for the needs of others. She had a special commitment to the sanctity of human life and the rights of the unborn. Jeanne was a board member of Central Illinois Right to Life and labored long hours on its many activities over the years. As a long time member of St Bernard's Catholic Church, Jeanne served as Pro-Life Rep, Lector and Alter Cleaner. She was Chairwoman of many Mother's Club activities at St Bernard's School. Jeanne was also active in Family Resources Center, Meals on Wheels, Sophia's Kitchen, Christian Appalachian Project, Catholic Women's Apostolate and Cursillo.<br></p><p><br></p><p>She is survived by her children Daniel Donahue Ill, Kathleen Donahue and Mary Patricia Donahue all of Peoria, Charles (Tracy) Donahue of St. Charles, IL, Matthew Donahue of Brookfield, WI and one grandson, John Donahue, all of whom will greatly miss her joyful smile, endless words of encouragement, and boundless listening capacity.<br></p><p><br></p><p>In addition to her children, Jeanne is survived by her sister, Mary McCann, and many nieces and nephews.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her brother, Charles Hofer, and infant granddaughter, Catherine Isabel Donahue.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Visitation will be held at St. Philomena Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 9:00 AM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Father Luke Spannagel will officiate, and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.<br></p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Destiny for Women, 2805 N. Knoxville Ave, Peoria 61604 or Sophia's Kitchen at 105 N. Richard Pryor Place, Peoria 61605.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Friends and family may sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Jeanne's memorial page via social media.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)<br></p><p><br></p>January 24, 1940 - May 1, 202501/24/194005/01/2025
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