Catherine Donohue

This is the story of Catherine Nora Donohue, 91, of Naples, Florida and formerly of Dix Hills, New York, who passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Hope Hospice in North Naples, Florida. Catherine, also known as Kay, “Cookie” and “Gingy” to family and friends. She was loved, is missed beyond all comprehension, and will always be cherished. She was a loving wife, amazing mom, caring daughter, considerate sister, affectionate aunt and the “hostess with the mostest”.

Kay’s story starts on July 17, 1925, the middle child of the late Cornelius Jones and Mary Cligett of County Cork, Ireland. She would spend her childhood, grow up, make many lifelong friends, and go to school in New York City. She worked at McMillian Publishing House until she met and married the love of her life, Gerard Peter Donohue on August 26, 1951. Their pledge, “grow old with me the best is yet to be”. Together they worked hard to establish and operate the family business, the Trot-In Restaurant from 1951 to 1975 in North Babylon, New York.

Kay loved good food, dancing and socializing; enjoyed going to movies and playing cards with friends and family. She had an infectious smile that would light up a room and leave an indelible impression on everyone she encountered. She was full of life, had a vibrant and bigger than life personality and a spirit that would not quit.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Kay during her 91 years of life, some examples: believing that there are solutions for what seems to be hopeless and impossible; having faith in one-self and that no goal is out of reach if you work for it; embracing resilience regardless of the challenge and most importantly… the value and importance of family. There can be no doubt, she was an honest, caring and compassionate person; she always put the needs of others before her own; she was able to engage all with her descriptive and witty storytelling; she was able to command everyone’s attention with her wit and humor; she was a role model that lived by example and above all she was the best mother and grandmother one could ever hope for.

Kay is survived by her two loving daughters, Maureen Donohue-Whitley and husband Don Whitley of North Babylon, New York and Kathleen Donohue of Bonita Springs, Florida; beloved granddaughter Meghan Whitley of Hershey, Pennsylvania; and seven nieces and nephews, Jimmy, Carol, Michael, Arlene, Paul, Nora Beth and Neil.

Love you always!!!