Priscilla A. Donoghue

Priscilla Ann Donoghue, 96, of Belchertown, MA, passed away peacefully, January 23rd 2020, at home surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born in Holyoke to the late William Emmet Casey and Corrine Theresa (Hume) Casey. She was educated in the Holyoke public schools, graduating in 1941 from Holyoke High School. As a child she worked in her father’s dog business and later resided for 20 years in Windsor, CT where she raised her family.  Here she had a dog grooming business of her own and enjoyed training and showing her Poodles and Irish Setters. Before moving to Belchertown in 2009, she lived at Hampton Ponds in Westfield, MA, working full time during the day while earning her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development at night. She later resided in West Chester and Kennett Square, PA, where she taught preschool at the YMCA in West Chester.  From 1989 to 2009, she resided in Blacksburg, VA, during which time she worked as a teacher’s aide at the United Methodist Church Preschool in Blacksburg.  She avidly pursued water skiing and snowmobiling in New England and bicycling in the Appalachian Mountains. She provided a loving home and exemplary care to dogs and cats, and was considered by those who knew her to be the “houseplant expert." Priscilla is predeceased by her beloved sisters Aileen Frances Gaunt (Nelson) and Corrine Catherine Moore (Junius), and brother William Hume Casey (Maureen); her beloved son in-law Dr. David Kronfeld, of Pembroke, VA; her former husband Robert John Donoghue of Boynton Beach, FL; and her beloved niece Kathleen Coren. Priscilla is survived by her son Robert John and his wife Eileen of Belchertown; her daughter Susan Donoghue of Pembroke, VA; grandson Christopher Donoghue (Carole); beloved great grandchildren Katie and Ryan; and many nieces and nephews. She especially cherished her weekend phone conversations with her beloved niece Susan Morin (Earl) of Liberty NC. She will be sadly missed by Chloe and Onna who always came by to share a can of Ginger Ale, and Lorna who never failed to put a smile on her face. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the friends whose care and commitment made it possible for her to enjoy her remaining days in her home surrounded by the things she loved.  Maryann, Tonya, Lydia, Onna, Katelyn, Andrea, Jenna and especially Becky for your devotion and strength, we could not have done this without you. Thank you to Rebecca RN and Hospice for your care and professionalism. A private graveside service will be determined by the family. Donations may be made in Priscilla’s remembrance to Hospice c/o Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199.

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