Erma Frances Walsh Donahue's Obituary
Erma Donahue, 88, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026. Born November 18, 1937 in Cleveland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick) Donahue, her sister Donna and her parents Edward and Irma (nee Heger) Walsh.
She is survived by her children Mark (Kathy) Donahue of Strongsville, Peggy (Jimmy) Rhein of North Collinwood, Paul (Shirley) Donahue of Middleburg Hts, Tim (Janice) Donahue of Columbus, Mary Beth (Jack) Westerh of Streetsboro and John Donahue of Westlake. She had 12 grandchildren Rachel, Jason, Amy, Danny (deceased), Alex, David, Sean, Madison, Meghan, Tommy, Michael and Sarah; 5 great-grandchildren Jacob, Bryden, Leona, Reagan and Fallon; and enjoyed the companionship of Bob Murphy at Southpark Square Apartments.
She went to St Timothy’s primary school, Beaumont High School and Ursuline College. Mom was a bank teller and retired as bank manager from Midlantic in 1994. But most important mom was a wonderful “HOME”maker.
She and Dick built their retirement home in Penfield Township with a dream kitchen including a double oven and a retractable shelf for her prized Kitchen Aid mixer. She was an active member of St Patrick’s church in Wellington, volunteered at Elyria Memorial Hospital, worked the election polls and enjoyed the most special days of the year with her family; Christmas, Easter, Cookie Day, Clambakes, Campouts, Sledding down Donahue hill days, and Fishing in the pond days. She enjoyed traveling to Ireland, Germany, Spain and several locations along different Cruise routes.
Visitation will be at Jardine’s Funeral Home, 15822 Pearl Rd Strongsville on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 3-7pm. Funeral Mass will be at St. John Neumann, 16271 Pearl Rd., Strongsville on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 10am. Private interment with the family will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities
What’s your fondest memory of Erma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Erma?
Share a story where Erma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Erma you’ll never forget.
How did Erma make you smile?

