BRATTLEBORO, Vt. – Millicent “Millie” Donahue died peacefully on Sept. 2, 2023, in her beloved cottage at her daughter’s home in Brattleboro, Vt., surrounded by her family.

She was born on Oct. 29, 1930, in Fairfield, Maine. Millie graduated from Fairfield High School, where she was the childhood sweetheart of Patrick Donahue. She continued her education at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. She often humorously noted, “He had to work for my hand in marriage,” quickly following up with her belief that it was undoubtedly the best decision of her life.

Millie and Patrick were married on June 21, 1952, and shortly afterward, he was drafted into the service. Millie joined him in Germany where their first child, Patrick Jr. was born. They returned to the states and lived in Cohasset, Mass., Woodstock, Vt. and then in Maine where Patrick was superintendent of schools.

Millie loved her family, her friends, tennis, dancing, swimming, reading, and welcoming all comers in cribbage (In her 90s, she once won 8 consecutive games against a tournament cribbage player!). She also adored the lake lifestyle. During the upbringing of her children, she enjoyed spending summers at her cottage on Lake Wesserunsett in Madison, Maine, where they were filled with cousins, friends and laughter. She particularly enjoyed taking her children to plays at a nearby cultural gem, Lakewood Theater. Then for more than two decades, she spent summers with her family on Great Pond, at Hoyt’s Island in Belgrade, Maine, where she formed and treasured lifelong friendships. With her quick wit and vivacious spirit, she held court at nearly every island event, from coffee chats on the porch to the legendary 4th of July parties down at the Main Dock.

As her five children grew and left home, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit, before the advent of Airbnb she converted her residence into a thriving bed and breakfast named “Cape on the Green”. She welcomed guests into her home, offering warm hospitality and creating lasting memories for visitors from all over the country. In her diverse career, Millie also made a significant impact as a social worker and beauty consultant, demonstrating her joy and dedication to helping and uplifting others.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Patrick, Millie welcomed life’s third act with an inspiring zeal. When she was 81 and in failing health, she discovered new hope and vitality after relocating to a quaint cottage in Vermont at her daughter’s home. Millie’s health transformation and adoption of a primarily plant-based diet and her renewed vibrant energy became a beacon of inspiration, motivating countless individuals both locally and nationwide to prioritize health and reduce stress in their lives. She was a popular beloved guest on several podcasts, always ready to share her story and encourage others.

Millie was predeceased by Patrick, her husband of 57 years. She is survived by her children Pat Donahue Jr. (Amy), Belgrade Lakes, Maine; John Donahue (Karen), Falmouth, Maine; Andy Donahue (Richard), Northampton, Mass.; Sue Strasenburgh (Paul), Falmouth, Maine; and Meg Donahue (Lisa), Brattleboro, Vt. She leaves her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, James Donahue; Ali (Austin) Brown and daughters Winnie and Mari; Kylen (Owen) Bolster and their son Sean Mathew; Gabe (Tom) Ray and son Thomas John; Tyler (Casey) Strasenburgh; Eric (Bridget) Strasenburgh and daughter Aria; Jason Donahue and Annie Donahue.

In loving memory of Millie’s lasting impact on us all, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday Oct 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodlands Country Club in Falmouth, Maine.

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