Joan Donahoe

Joan Marie Reagan lsenberg Donahoe, 83, beloved wife of Pastor Fred Donahoe, died Sunday June 30, 2013.Her family is most grateful for the loving care she received from Dr. Leroy Essig, and his staff during her seven-year struggle with multiple myeloma. Dr. Arnold Aguilera also provided heartfelt care as well as the nurses and hospitalists at Stafford and MWH Hospitals, and the staff at Health South.Joan was born in Altoona, PA, September 13, 1929, the eldest daughter of Eugene and Helen Reagan. In 1947, she married Merle Isenberg with whom she had six children, three of whom survive, Maureen Burling (Ron), Tom lsenberg (Tammy), and Celine Childs (Stan). Kathleen O'Bannon, (Kevin), and two babies preceded her in death.She had 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Merle died in 1968.Joan married Fred Donahoe in 1972 and became a pastor's wife at Messiah Lutheran Church in South Williamsport, PA., where she had her seventh child, Frederick J .Donahoe.Through Messiah Lutheran she resettled a family from Africa and two families from Vietnam. In 1978 she moved to Stafford, VA, to help her husband develop St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Her friendly (never met a stranger), caring attitude helped St. Peter's become one of the largest congregations in North Stafford. She started St. Peter's Food Bank in the early 1980's, and with the help of her friend Jan Saunders and other willing workers, provided food for more than 40 families every Monday. Joan also served Stafford County as the parent advocate on the Family Assessment Planning Team (FAPT) for 19 years. Joan had a great Irish story-telling ability and never failed to entertain whomever she was with. She was a sports fan and especially enjoyed North Stafford High School lacrosse, basketball and football, and attended numerous Penn State home football games. A spotless house was her pride and joy. She was the ultimate Mother and loyal wife.In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to St. Peter's Food Bank, 1201 Courthouse Rd., Stafford VA., 22554.The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford.A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church.