It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clare L. Donahue, who died peacefully on July 1 ^st – surrounded by family and friends – shortly after having been diagnosed with lung cancer.  Those who loved Clare reflect on their loss yet share their admiration for her because she contributed so much to enrich their shared life experience.

Clare loved Salem, Massachusetts, where she was born in 1947.  A daughter of the late Donald and Sophie (Mazeikus) Donahue, Clare was a member of the Class of 1965 at St. Chretienne Academy, Salem, and then attended Regis College in Weston, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969.  After college, she moved to Washington, DC, where she worked for the federal government.  In 1991, she and her son Alex moved to the West Coast, settling in Olympia, Washington.

Her long and distinguished career included executive positions with the Washington State Department of Information Services, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Olympia, and the University of Washington, Seattle, where she retired as an Executive Vice President.

A dedicated bird lover, she contributed her time and support to the International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, Wisconsin, and also to the Smithsonian Zoo, as a volunteer ornithologist.

Clare was defined by what she loved:  travel (especially to Hawaii), horses, birds, dogs (lots of dogs), and tending to her splendid rose garden.  She enjoyed exploring history and had genuine artistic talent as a painter and decorator.  She was a generous and welcoming hostess and an excellent cook.  Those who had the good fortune to visit her were met with open arms, spirited conversation, and deeply satisfying meals.  Family members also warmly recall annual summertime visits as young people to the lakeside in Sanford, Maine.

Clare is survived by her sister Patricia Donahue of Salem; her son Alex Donahue Schmidt of Olympia; stepson Kevin Biggers, Oregon City, Oregon; stepdaughter Vanessa Biggers of San Francisco; and many cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, Mass.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Saturday, September 7th, from 9 – 11 AM at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, Mass., with a brief memorial service at the funeral home at 11:00 AM, followed immediately by internment of ashes at Greenlawn Cemetery. For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.