Eleanor Marie Donahue (McNulty) 86 of Brewster passed away peacefully Friday May 15, 2020, following a brief illness, at the Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester, surrounded by her loving children.

She was the wife of John C. Donahue for 63 years.

Born in Worcester, Eleanor was the daughter of the late Richard and Katherine (O’Connor) McNulty. She grew up in Auburn, and was a graduate of Auburn High School’s class of 1952. She later graduated from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing in 1955.

As an RN for many years, Eleanor worked at Worcester City Hospital, Framingham Union Hospital, and was employed by Digital Equipment Corporation as a corporate nurse until she retired.

Eleanor was an avid reader and loved her frequent visits to the library. She instilled the love of reading into her children and her grandchildren. Whenever the grandchildren visited their Nana in Englewood, FL or Brewster, the library was always their first stop. She retired to a home on her beloved Cape Cod where she shared her love of the beach with her children and grandchildren. She was a natural and outstanding cook her entire adult life, building her culinary skills by reading and watching Julia Child and others. She was particularly fond of exploring various Chinese cuisines, her children’s favorite. Eleanor also looked forward to visits from her three “grand dogs” Maya, Rosie and Bode, who adored her as well.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Donahue is survived by a son, John Patrick Donahue and his wife Christine Cianetta of Olympia, WA; two daughters, Catherine Staub and her husband, Theodore of Albuquerque, NM, and Margaret Donahue of Worcester; five beloved grandchildren, Meredith (Staub) Fore and her husband, Bryce of Seattle, WA, Benjamin Staub of Washington, D.C., Harrison Staub of Los Angeles, CA, Rhiannon and Nathaniel Donahue both of Olympia, WA; a brother, Richard McNulty and his wife, Christine of Upton; a sister, Louise Picard of Dennis; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private and a celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held at a later date, on Cape Cod.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Brewster Ladies Library, www.brewsterladieslibrary.org/get-involved/donate, or to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Rd, Worcester, MA 01602.

Cathy, Ted and Families ❤️ We are so sorry to hear the news about your Mom. Our hearts are breaking for you; we hate that you're going through this. We are thinking of you and sending you all our deepest condolences. With love, Shelley, Chris, Alex & Zack

You were so blessed to have such a loving mom for so many years. I am keeping you all in my prayers and hope that your memories bring you some comfort at this very sad time.