Jacqueline Kay Donahue

27 Nov 1952 in Wichita, Kansas - 24 Feb 2023 in Wichita, Kansas 

Jacqueline “Jackie” Kay Donahue, aged 70, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital after a short illness, a complication of her ten-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Jackie was born Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1952, interrupting the feast of her parents, John (1914-1966) and Ruth (1923-2011). She continued through her lifetime to recognize the holiday as her birthday whether it coincided with the actual date or not. She was an accomplished scholar at Wichita West High School, Wichita State University (B.A., Political Science), and University of Kansas Law School (J.D.). After passing the Bar in the State of Kansas, she eschewed law practice, for reasons of her own, but remained on the Bar until retirement. 

Jackie was an avid crafter, pursuing jewelry, stained glass, and scrapbooking. She treated her friends and family with hand-crafted greeting cards even after Parkinson’s made the work equally frustrating and fulfilling. In the second half of her life she found a creative release in live theatre work. Jackie was a sought-after lighting designer and stage manager. She directed for Wichita Community Theatre and served the theatre in other roles over the years. Her work on individual productions were recognized on several occasions by the Mary Jane Teall Awards and in 2015 she was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Jackie was preceded in death by her father, John C. Donahue; and mother, Ruth Donahue Loehr. She is survived by her brother, Alan Donahue, of Chicago. 

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, Saturday, March 4 and followed by the funeral service at 10:00 AM, both at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, 6555 East Central. Burial at Calvary Cemetery, 610 South Vassar (entry from South Rutan) will follow the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain, Wichita, KS 67208.