Farmington Obituary: Irene Donagher, 65

Irene Donagher, 65, of Farmington, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2018 with her family by her side, after a 14-month long courageous battle with Leukemia.

Irene was the daughter of William Pawshuk (deceased) and Pearl Pawshuk, 96 years old, of East Hartford. Irene graduated from East Hartford High School in 1970, worked in the insurance industry, took some time off to raise her children and later spent the majority of her career as a long-time employee of UConn Health Center as a Medical Coding Specialist; recently retired in June of 2016.

She was looking forward to taking care of her mother and grandchildren. Irene loved spending summers in Old Lyme with her family, and will be fondly remembered for her love of party planning, cooking for, and hosting special occasions. Irene treasured her Ukrainian traditions and happily married into Irish traditions.

Irene faithfully took her mother to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church every week for over 10 years. Irene passionately cheered for the UConn Huskies and never missed a women’s basketball game. Her greatest joy was being with loved ones and she adored the family dogs.

Irene and her family wanted to thank all of the medical staff at the UConn Health Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and John Dempsey Hospital. She had a special connection with Dr. Chirch, Dr. Parham, and Dr. Hook.

In addition to her mother, Irene is survived by her high school sweetheart and spouse of 43 years, Lawrence (Larry) Donagher of Farmington and their three children, Jessica Brand and her husband Jeff of West Hartford, Mary Ann Donagher of West Hartford, and Michael Donagher and his wife Margaret of Simsbury. She also leaves behind her three cherished grandchildren Avelynn (6) and William (1) Brand, and Noah Donagher (1). Irene also leaves behind her sister, Sophie Brown of East Hartford. She was predeceased by her brother George Pawshuk of Chicopee, MA. Irene also leaves behind many extended family members including; Hugh J. and Barbara Donagher, Tommy and Sandy Donagher, Sheila and John O’Connell, John and Carole Donagher, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Tuesday, January 9 from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Wednesday, January 10 at 9:45am followed by the Funeral Liturgy at 10:30 am in St. Gregory the Great Church, 235 Maltby St., Bristol. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 160 Garden St. in Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Red Cross, 209 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.