Donna Marie (LaVoy) McDonagh, aged 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10th, 2026, at her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Donna was born on the family farm in Temperance, Michigan in 1931, the fourth of seven children. In the family tradition, she attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade school in Erie, Michigan. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio where she excelled as a student and met her future husband, William, a fellow member of the Glee Club.
Donna was preceded in death by William, her husband of 69 years, her parents Curtis & Irene LaVoy, siblings Joan (Cousino), Maxine (LaVoy), Marcia (Tietjen), Mark (LaVoy), and Mary (Pompos). She is survived by her sister, Janice Droz.
Donna was a full-time wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, and until more recent years was the hostess of most all holiday get-togethers of extended family. This kept her and William (Papa) busy, along with enjoying the many activities of and get-togethers with their four children, Maureen (Robert) Ayers, Michael (Joan) McDonagh, Jude McDonagh and Paul (Catherine) McDonagh, 11 grandchildren, Mark (Dara), Steven (Emma), Allison (Ted), Erin (Ethan), Emily (Travis), Rosemary (JuanLu), Kelsey, Brian, Maggie, Paige and Kelly, plus her six great grandchildren, Rhiannon, Bobby, Will, Milo, Oliver and Piper.
Special occasions with family members were usually marked with her creativity and uniquely decorated cakes. In addition, everyone enjoyed her delicious, hand-painted cookies. Donna’s artistic talents are best showcased in the various paintings and drawings gracing the walls of her home and those of various family members. Donna loved making artwork from unused and unusual things.
Donna was an adept Bridge player, being part of several different card groups. As an empty nester, she attended classes at the community college and decided to work outside of the home. After working in the accounting department of the then Metropolitan Health Hospital, Donna pivoted to providing caring and creative days of daycare for several of her grandchildren.
A longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Donna sang in the Resurrection Choir and was a Eucharistic Minister. Whenever she saw a need, she was willing to lend a helping hand. Between the church and the school, she worked at and even chaired many activities, including the parish blood drives and funeral buffets, working in the school’s library, the school’s hot lunch program and various other activities.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 10, 2026, at 10:00am, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. Visitation will take place one hour prior, beginning at 9:00am. There will be a luncheon immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the school’s Killgoar Educational Foundation, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
5 Responses
Maureen
Sorry for your loss. It has been many years that I have seen your name but always have fond memories of our younger years.
My love and sympathy are given to all of Donna’s family during this difficult time. We have so many special memories of each of you through our years together at IHM and Catholic Central. May you find peace in knowing that your dear mother is now in the presence of God and His Mother. She generously served them with all of her gifts on her life journey and now has been given her reward. Blessings! Mary Passinault and family
Dear McDonagh Family: I have very fond memories of Donna thru the years at IHM. She was kind, caring, loving to all she encountered. God has surely welcomed her to her heavenly home. God bless you all. Judy Cloherty Mayfield
Dear McDonagh family- Donna was a beautiful woman. We loved to sit by she and Bill at church. So kind and complimentary. She always had a smile on her face. I’m glad to learn she was an artist, and glad Paige inherited her talents. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Sandy Barner
Dear McDonaghs,
I am sorry for your loss, but rejoice in Donna’s long and blessed life. I have great memories of Donna and Bill from my years at IHM.
In my senior priest years, I have been celebrating 10:00 Mass every Monday at Villa Maria. Although I won’t be present at the funeral, know that my Mass intention at Villa will be for Donna and your family.
Fr. Len