Joy E. Donahue (nee Birmingham), 82, a longtime resident of River Forest and Oak Park, died on Aug. 1, 2026. Born on Sept. 4, 1943 and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, she spent summers on Pine Island, Lake Vermilion, Minnesota. Initially a teacher, she earned a Master of Library Science degree at Dominican University and was a familiar and always helpful librarian at River Forest Public Library. An avid reader, she was a member of many book clubs.
She was a tireless volunteer for numerous organizations and causes, serving underprivileged communities. A devout Catholic, she had a gentle presence but was incredibly smart and witty. She enjoyed the orchestra, travel, prayer groups and meeting up with her many circles of family and friends.
Joy was the wife of the late Donald F. Donahue Jr.; the mother of Donald (Dana) Donahue III, Margaret Donahue, Emily (Steve) Tazic, and the late Jennifer Mary Donahue; the grandmother of Ben, Lauren and Matthew Donahue and Jane, Teddy and Violet Tazic; and the sister of Jim (Connie) Birmingham and Connie (Jim) Galles. She was preceded in death by her brother, the late Bill (the late Sally) Birmingham; her brothers-in-law, the late Dan (Judy) and the late Bob (Brenda) Donahue; and she was the aunt of many nieces and nephews, and a caring cousin and loyal friend.
A requiem Mass was held at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 410 Washington Blvd., Oak Park, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Luke Church, 7600 Lathrop St., River Forest, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joy’s memory to the Misericordia Heart of Mercy Home (www.misericordia.com).
Arrangements were handled by The Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko – Director.