Eleanor Amelia Donahue

Eleanor Amelia Donahue (Bodgener), beloved wife of the late Leo Donahue passed away on August 22, 2020.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Wendy (John McKinnon), son, Tim (Stasha Donahue); her grandchildren, Cam Driver (Lisa), Cindy Brown (Harley), Keagan (Natasha), Conlan and Mac Donahue, and great grandchildren Jamie and Randy Brown.  She also leaves to mourn her nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Sadly, she was predeceased by her husband, her daughter Diane (Driver), her son-in-law Garry, and her son, Davey.

Eleanor was born in Bashaw and moved to the McBride district south of Fort Macleod when she was 8.  That area became her home for nearly 90 years. She married Leo in January of 1939 and moved two miles down the road where she lived for 76 years. Together, they experienced the ups and downs of farm life. They raised 4 children, discovered the excitement of travel, and enjoyed their condo in Maui.

After Dad's passing in 1996, Mom remained on the farm until September of 2015, when she moved into the Manor and then the Pioneer Lodge.  There she found many new friends and loved and appreciated all the people who cared for her.  Mom had an active social life both in town and on the farm and was especially proud of being a founding member of the MAE Belle club for 72 years.

She loved her family unconditionally and was always proudly supportive of their endeavors and achievements.  Her hope for her children was that they always had "enough" - not too little and not too much.  Always seeing the bright side of things, she considered herself the luckiest person in the world.  She was strong and independent ("of course I can still drive!") and it is easy to see why she was and will remain an inspiration to those around her.

Among many things, Mom enjoyed live theatre, parties, dressing in fashion (made possible by her sewing and knitting skills), the music of Daniel O'Donnell,  the solitude of the farm, the owls that nested in the trees, and calls and visits from friends and relatives.  She was a beautiful and dignified woman who celebrated life each day.  We will all miss her forever.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held.

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