Barbara Donahue

Barbara (Barb) Donahue, 82, of Brookville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 7, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Born on May 12, 1944 in Brookville, she was the beloved daughter of the late Blair and Helen Demotte Shields.

Barb grew up on the family dairy farm and attended Summerville School before graduating in 1962 from Brookville High School.

After graduation she moved to Harrisburg where she met the love of her life, David Donahue. On February 21, 1970 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church they married.

As a couple they moved back to Summerville, raised their family and spent the rest of their years there.

Barb was an active member of her community serving as a younger woman as a 4-H Leader.

Throughout her life she was an avid seamstress and knitter. She always had several projects going at a time, some she finished and others she would gift”as is’ with a promise of finishing in the future. Barb was known for her patchwork dogs and cats and for knitting hats that she donated to help those in need.

Until her retirement in 2009 she worked as a engraver and embroiderer at Demans in Brookville.

Her survivors include her daughters, Christine (Cris) Clowes, Colleen Dworek and Carrie (Steve) Clinger; her 9 grandsons, Sam, Nate, Ben, Ian, Dillon (Annie), Macus, Bryson, Wyatt and Caleb; her granddaughter, Faith (Nick); her great grandchildren, Kyler, Eden and Marshal; her sisters, Nancy (Bob) Laudone and Rebecca (Herb) Pennington; and her sister-in-law, Cathy Shields.

Those preceding her in death in addition to her parents and husband are her brother, Dr. James Shields; and her nephew, Garrett Pennington. Known as the”Neighborhood Grandma’ she was preceded in death as well by one of her adopted neighborhood grandchildren, Quinton “Q’ Perry (who was known to flirt with her without shame).

Barb will be remembered as the matriarch of her family and community; a woman of great love, generosity, and faith. She is now resting peacefully in heaven.

Her family will receive friends on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Summerville Fire Hall, 12795 Harrison St., Summerville, PA. with an additional hour from 10-11AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Fire Hall with Andrew Shields, officiating.

Interment will be in Carrier Cemetery, Clover TWP., Summerville.

Her family suggests memorial contributions be made in her memory to Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA. 15801.

Friends and family may order flowers, leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, share a memory and obtain additional information by visiting www.furlong funeralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Donahue, please visit our floral store.