Bridget E. Doonan

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Nazareth Academy Dominican University

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Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street

Countryside, Illinois

Bridget Doonan Obituary

Bridget E. Doonan, 91, a 70 year resident of LaGrange and LaGrange Park, died Tuesday, September 1, 2009 in Worcester, MA where she had resided the last several years. Born in Chicago in 1918, her family moved to LaGrange in 1921 where she attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and Nazareth Academy. She graduated from Rosary College (Dominican University) in River Forest, IL in 1935. Bridget was married in 1946 to George J. "Barney" Doonan, also of LaGrange, who died in 1971. She was the loving mother of Mary Katherine (Robert) Quinn of Worcester, MA, George (Cathleen) of Peterborough, NH, Charles (Suzanne) of St. Charles, IL, Sheila (late David) Damkoehler of Bernardston, MA and Herbert of Headley Down, England, grandmother of 18 and great-grandmother of 13. Mrs. Doonan was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Anna, nee Rethinger, and by her siblings Anne Maronic, Msgr. George G. Higgins, Eugene Higgins and Mary Katherine Higgins. Her entire career was spent as a Catholic school teacher, including almost 40 years at St. Francis Xavier School in LaGrange. She was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, serving on the School Board, the Liturgy and Bereavement Committees and as a lector. Bridget traveled extensively with family and friends, including trips to Australia, South America, Europe, Russia, China and Mexico. She attended the White House ceremony in 2000 honoring her late brother, Monsignor George G. Higgins, when he was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President William Clinton. Visitation will be held from 3-9pm Tuesday Sept. 8 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home; 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Funeral mass 11:30am Wednesday Sept. 9 at St. Francis Xavier Church in LaGrange. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to SFX Family and School Assoc. Scholarship Fund appreciated. For information call 708-352-6500

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Published by Suburban Life Publications from Sep. 4 to Sep. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Bridget Doonan

6 Entries

Paul O'Reilly

September 25, 2009

Dear Doonan Family,
Your mom Bridget, "Betty" was my mom's
(Alice Ann Ryan O'Reilly) good friend from "club", also. My mom always had such a good time with Betty, and the rest of the group! I am sure they are now happily visiting in heaven.

Ellen O'Reilly-Garcia

September 11, 2009

Dear Doonan Family,
Your dear mother made my mother, Alice Ann Ryan O'Reilly's,life so happy. Their friendship from college days lasted, through their monthly "club" visits, until my mom died in 1998. They travelled to Europe together, with Sr. Angele's high school groups, and had such fabulous times! Betty and Barney were Godparents to my brother Denis, and he has prayed for them regularly throughout the years. We are all grateful to Betty. Her loving spirit was felt by all of us.
You wonderful children and grandchildren are in our prayers.
Ellen O'Reilly-Garcia and all O'Reillys

Karen Konrad

September 10, 2009

Mrs. Doonan was the best teacher and neighbor. There are so many fond memories of her. I loved visiting with her on the big front porch. I feel blessed to have known her. She was an amazing person, so kind and generous. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.

September 9, 2009

Bridget Doonan was such a wonderful person. I loved teaching with her at St. Francis during the late 60s. We always had a lot of laughs together. I admired her kindness and patience with her students.
I remember teaching Chuck and Sheila. You were both such good students, and you both had such a great sense of humor. Even though we had 45 kids or more in our 8th grade classes, we always had fun. The kids were respectful and worked hard, but there were always some who made us all laugh. I have great memories of the staff and students at SFX.
Chuck, I often shopped at your store in LaGrange and didn't even know you owned it until just before it closed. I'm so sorry it's not there anymore.
The picture of your mother in the paper is just gorgeous. She was such a lovely person. I hope that her last years were full and happy. I will remember her with great fondness. Please accept my love and sympathy. You have lost a very special mother.
Ginny Karstens (formerly Sister Brian)

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September 9, 2009

Mrs. Doonan taught me at St. Francis School in LaGrange. I am so sorry she has passed. I am 46 years old and I will never forget her lesson on the word "done". No one was ever done, we were "finished". Mrs. Doonan has always had a place in my heart.

Fr. Gerald O'Reilly

September 7, 2009

Mrs. Doonan was a dear friend and fellow Club Member of my mother, Alice Ann Ryan O'Reilly. They were alumnae of Trinity High School,'35 & Rosary College,'39.

May she rest in peace.

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