Janelle Donahue, born on February 5, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at the age of 91 on August 9th, 2024

Janelle’s life will be celebrated at Resurrection Church, 4300 Asbury Road in Dubuque, Iowa, on Monday, August 19th, 2024. Visitation will be from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., all at Resurrection Church. Rev. Phil Gibbs will officiate. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Forever remembered by her children Mary Ellen, Pat (Mary Lynn), Dennis, Paul (Becky) and Kelly.

Janelle treasured her 6 grandchildren Mike, Margot, Kenny, Kevin, Connor and Ciaran

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Donahue and sister-in-law Mary Carol Guerdette, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and lifelong friend, Marjorie Kurt.

Janelle was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 1976; parents Dennis and Mary Guerdette; mother and father-in-law TJ and Mary Donahue; her siblings, James (Jimmy), Eugene (Koosy), Richard (Dick).

Janelle and Joe were united in marriage at St Theresa Parish, LaMotte, Iowa on November 25th 1954. The parish where she received her holy sacraments and frequented until its closure. She and Joe became members of Resurrection in 1958.

She grew up on a farm in Jackson County and attended a one room school house on Skyline Road.  She attended St Joseph Academy (Class of 1950) and Clarke College.  She left Clarke College after earning a two-year teaching certificate and later returned to complete her bachelors in education in 1980 and a masters in education in 1987.

Janelle’s first teaching position was in St Donatus in a one room school house. She later taught at various schools in the archdiocese of Dubuque, spending the majority of her time at Resurrection teaching 3rd and 4th grade. After completing her masters she accepted her final teaching position at Kennedy Elementary teaching behavioral disorder students. For several years after she left the classroom, she consulted for the Dubuque Community School District and finally settled into a well-earned retirement at age 70

In retirement she gardened, traveled and spent time with her children, grandchildren and friends.  She was a lifelong advocate for children and education.

Janelle was also known for her strength and resilience. She was a woman of deep faith with an unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.