Kathleen Donahue

Kathleen “Kathy” M. Donahue was born on March 8, 1956, to Tom and JoAnn Donahue, in Saint Paul, MN, and passed away on September 23, 2025, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. Kathy’s early education began in Minnesota before the family moved to Madison in 1966. Kathy went on to attend Mendota Elementary School, Gompers Middle School, and graduated from Madison East High School in 1974. After graduating from high school, Kathy pursued her passion for healthcare and received her Registered Nursing Certificate from the Madison General Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating, she joined friends and family in a move to California and worked at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. Returning to Madison a few years later, she worked at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Covance, and more recently, SSM Health Dean Care clinics.

Kathy was the oldest of seven children, and she fit the role well. She was responsible, driven, loyal, and fiercely independent. She instilled a healthy fear in her siblings when they were young, and it came out the most when they interrupted her sleep with their unnecessary volume. An amazing listener, she often remembered and revisited bits of conversation that made you feel heard and important. Her incredibly caring and empathetic nature made her a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and nurse.

Kathy was a voracious reader who loved sharing her books. From history and biographies to popular fiction and everything in between—she absorbed and retained much of what she read. She loved seeing books and stories come to life, especially at American Players Theatre and The Overture Center.

Kathy didn’t strive to be or enjoy being the center of attention, so you often didn’t know her thoughts or opinions. But she was a deep thinker, smart and wise—some of our greatest joys were conversations with Kathy when she shared her thoughts and likely taught you something or left you with something to ponder.

Kathy loved and appreciated the quiet solitude of nature. Whether it was sitting on the porch, camping, being on the water, visiting the family tree farm, or marveling at the beehives, she loved the peace that it brought her. She enjoyed wandering a market, orchard, or garden, and decorating her deck with the most stunning flowers. She had a knack for identifying birds and their songs and enjoyed watching them in her yard and at the feeder.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents Tom and JoAnn; her beloved brother Jim; and in-laws Don and Dana Hafeman; and her golden boy, Tucker. She is survived by her husband Doug Hafeman; siblings Tim (Kim) Donahue, Maureen (Dick) Smith, Jeff (Rhonda), Pat, Kelly (Matt Schroedl); brothers-in-law David (Tina) and Dale (Amy); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was also loved and cherished by her fascinator-wearing girl gang, and dear friend Linda Moseley.

Kathy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff at Agrace for the loving and compassionate care she received.

A private burial will be held at St. Mary’s of the Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the River Food Pantry in Madison, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin.