Joanne Sabina Donahue

Joanne Sabina (Lewandowski) Donahue passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on April 1, 1939, in Wilmington, Delaware, she was the beloved daughter of the late Stanley Lewandowski and Sabina (Washkiewicz) Lewandowski. Joanne was the devoted wife of the late Robert F. Donahue, Jr., with whom she shared a life deeply rooted in faith, love, and family.

A devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. John the Beloved Catholic Church. Joanne’s faith was the foundation of her life. Her greatest joy and purpose were her children and grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and devoted herself to wholeheartedly. 

Joanne’s most cherished memories were the simple joys that filled her life with happiness. She loved singing and dancing to Elvis Presley, and she cherished her visit to Graceland, which made her admiration for him even more special. Bowling was another of her passions, and she proudly participated in several leagues over the years. She treasured long weekends at the cottage and vacations in Ocean City, where she made countless happy memories. 

She also enjoyed going on cruises with her sister-in-law and brother-in-law. One of her favorite stories to share was about meeting Regis Philbin and his wife during a cruise — a chance encounter that thrilled her  and became a memory she retold often, always with a bright and joyful smile.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Robert, Joanne was predeceased by her first husband, Samuel E. Bowdle; her brothers, Stanley, Richard, and Joseph Lewandowski; and her grandsons, Nicholas Bowdle and Steven Bowdle.

She is survived by her children, Michelle Donahue; Samuel E. Bowdle, Jr. and his wife, Lisa; and Robert Donahue III and his wife, Terry. She was a proud and cherished grandmother to Eric Ellis, Sierra Ellis, Christopher Bowdle, and Sommer Donahue, and a great-grandmother to Rylee Bowdle, with another great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Henderson and her husband, Jack, along with many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Interment will be held privately at a later date at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Bob.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanne’s name to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA).

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