Julie M. Donahue

Julie Zummo Donahue, beloved wife of David Donahue for nearly 59 years, passed away peacefully at Neshaminy Manor on November 23, 2024.

Julie was the mother of Marybeth (Michael) Connelly, Karen (Justin) Psaila, Megan (David) Ulmer, Timothy (Katherine) Donahue; and grandmother of Brian, Andrew, Julie Connelly; Jessica, Sarah, Madalyn Psaila; Lauren, Jacob, Bridget Ulmer; Colleen, Maura, Kevin Donahue.

Julie’s beautiful smile was a window to her kind heart and generous spirit. She lived a life of service to her family and community. Her love for her family was exceeded only by her love for her God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Julie was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Anthony and Julia (Coscia) Zummo. She was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Doyle; brothers-in-law, John Doyle, Carl Hartman, Joseph Donahue, Jr. and nephew, Eric Hartman. She is survived by sisters: Elizabeth Hartman and Rosemary Zummo, sister-in-law Dolores Donahue and many nieces and nephews.

Julie graduated from Reading Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. She was a leader in the Childbirth Education Association, in the vanguard of women advocating for better labor and delivery services. She successfully encouraged many hospitals to allow fathers to attend the birth of their children. She taught natural childbirth classes and supported nursing mothers.

When she and David moved to Doylestown in 1976, they joined Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish. Julie volunteered in many roles, and was hired as the Director of Social Services. She helped establish the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Returning Catholics program, Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket programs, Christmas Giving Tree, and the parish newspaper, “The Good News”. She was a Eucharistic Minister and provided Holy Communion to parishioners who were confined to their homes or to Doylestown Hospital. She was also an elected member of the Parish Council. Julie was an early participant in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program, a member of the parish Liturgy Committee and Choir, Ladies of Mt. Carmel, and both a member and photographer of the State Street Players. 

Julie was a talented amateur photographer. She and David shared a successful second career as realtors with Coldwell Banker Hearthside. 

The family is grateful to the staff of Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home for the care and compassion provided to Julie during her stay there. Friends will be received on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown, Pennsylvania from 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m.

A private interment will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel St. Vincent DePaul Society.