Cover photo for Rachael Ellen Clasen Donahue's Obituary
Rachael Ellen Clasen Donahue Profile Photo
1939 Rachael 2019

Rachael Ellen Clasen Donahue

August 24, 1939 — October 27, 2019

Rachael Ellen Clasen Donahue, “Dearest”, age 80, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her cherished family on Sunday, October 27, 2019. From her birth on August 24, 1939 in New Orleans to William George and Ethel Myrtle (Duffy) Clasen, to her death on Sunday, Rachael nourished all those around her with love, faith and a profound appreciation for nature. Rachael was raised in Algiers and was a graduate of Martin Behrman High School and attended The University of Houston and Louisiana State University. She resided in Gretna for 43 years. On November 26, 1960, she married the love of her life, James “Jimmy” William Donahue, Jr. whom she met in 3rd Grade at Schwartz School in Algiers. Together they had four daughters and two sons – their greatest joys in life. Rachael and Jimmy instilled their love of God in their six children by worshipping together at church as well as taking them out in nature to fish, camp and explore to teach them to appreciate and care for God’s creations. An avid gardener, Rachael taught her children and grandchildren to love working in the garden and caring for plants of every variety. Rachael also enjoyed sharing her passionate love of all creatures, great and small. Her home was always a safe haven for well-loved dogs, canaries, as well any creature in need of care. Countless birds, bunnies, turtles, fish, even an orphaned pair of racoons, were cared for and rehabbed by Rachael and her children. She was a nurturer/caregiver to so many people as well. That was God’s calling for her and she willingly heeded it. Rachael was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James William Donahue, Jr.; her parents, William G. Clasen, Ethel M. Duffy Clasen, and her sister, Myrt Lorraine “Billie” Clasen. Left to honor Rachael and remember her love are her six children; Rachael E. Donahue, Stephanie D. (Brian) Scorsone, Jennifer E. Donahue, James W. (Nancy) Donahue,III, Rebecca D. (Randall) O’Brien, Sean C. (Heidi) Donahue; six grandchildren; Ashley E. Scorsone, Allison E. Donahue, Joseph A. Donahue, Colleen A. Donahue, Dawson S. Donahue, Ava E. Donahue; three step grandchildren; Grant C. O’Brien, Brandi A. Mata, Alexander F. (Amber) Mata, IV; and four step great-grandchildren; Alexis A. Feaster, Brody D. Feaster, Ayden A. Mata, and Ava M. Mata. Three siblings; William G. “Winky” (Kay) Clasen II, Cathy C. (Gary) Groff, Charles T. (Cindy) Clasen, her sister-in-law, Marion Donahue Williams along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends and loved ones. A private Christian Service for the family will be held on a date to be determined. Pastor Ken DeSoto, of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, officiating. Mothe Funeral Home in Harvey is in charge of arrangements. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 6336 Berkley Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131, The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana @ rmhc-sla.org, Pet Adoption Services, Inc. @ petadoptionservices.rescuegroups.org. The Donahue Family would like to extend our deepest appreciation, gratitude and love to Mrs. Tionne Davis, our Mother’s Visiting Angel, for her unwavering dedication, comfort, care and love she gave our Mother for over a year. We also want to thank Roz Cox Osborne and the entire staff of Visiting Angels Greater New Orleans for their exceptional compassion and professionalism in meeting our Mother’s needs. Additionally, we would like to thank our Mother’s Home Health Nurse, Patricia Early, R.N. with Southeast Louisiana Home Health for guiding us so lovingly in how best to care for Mother when she was at home. God Bless You All. The Donahue family respectfully requests privacy during this time of grief. We will be arranging a celebration of Dearest’s life to include family, friends and loved ones in the near future. More will be revealed.
“I’m But A Stranger Here, Heaven Is My Home”
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