Winslow- Gertrude P. Donahue, 87, passed away at her home on August 19, 2013 with her family at her side. She was born in Winslow on November 22, 1925, the daughter of Charles and Antoinette (Tanguay) Poulin.

Gertrude graduated from Winslow High School at the age of 16, and afterwards took courses at a local business school. Before starting her marriage and family, she was employed in a number of positions, including at Keyes Fiber Co. On September 23, 1950 she married the love of her life Gerald L. "Bunny" Donahue of Fairfield, who passed away in 1966. Gertrude went on to raise their five young children. She worked to provide for them for many years, including working at St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Winslow Junior High School, Winslow High School and Waterville Public Library.

Gertrude was a devout Catholic, an active communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Winslow and a member of the church choir. Gertrude’s faith was constant and very important to her throughout her life. She loved reading, music, visiting the library, playing cards, cribbage and traveling to see and experience new places. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. As a young girl she won a talent contest at a Waterville theater, singing and dancing her rendition of "42nd Street." Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; she also enjoyed the family gatherings with extended family members and from time-to-time could be coaxed into singing a song. Gertrude was a very loving and devoted woman, especially when it came to her family.

Gertrude was predeceased by her parents; by her husband Gerald; and by her six sisters and five brothers Beatrice, Fernande, Lucille, Adeline, Theresa, Jeanne, Leo, Albert, Alcide, Donald and Reginald, making her the last member of her immediate family to pass away.

Gertrude is survived and missed by her five children, Joseph Donahue and wife Rita Bouchard of Gardiner, Gerald Donahue and companion Karen Cross of Winslow, Jim Donahue of Winslow, John Donahue and wife Roxann of Waterville and Jean Cousins and husband David of So. Portland; nine grandchildren, Kathryn, Joseph and wife Leah, James, Jasmin and husband Brian, Andrea and fiancé Shawn, Sofia and husband George, Katrina, Dayna and Jackson; three great grandchildren, Grayson, Quinn and Eliza; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members on both the Poulin and Donahue sides of the family. She was especially fond of her niece Gerry Kennedy of Winslow, who was like a sister to her.

The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation and gratitude to all family and friends, and also especially to the staff at Waterville Health Reach and Hospice.

A visitation will be held at Veilleux Funeral Home on Friday, August 23, 2013 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Winslow on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 9 am, committal to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gertrude’s memory may be made to the Waterville Area Health Reach & Hospice or to the Winslow Public Library. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901. 872-7676. www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com