Joan Theresa Berkholz Donley

DONLEY, Joan T. (nee Berkholz), passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday June 21, 2012. Beloved wife of the late Don Donley; loving mother of Tim Donley and Kathy (Paul) Sons, grandmother of Amy (Justin) Black, Mark (Alicia) Donley, Patrick Donley, and Stacy and Jake Sons, and great-grandmother of Laura and Allison Black, Maxwell and Joshua Donley, Wesley White, and Jenna Benson-White; dear sister of Dick (Judy) Berkholz, sister-in-law of Ginny (the late Ralph) Krieger, Marianne (the late Bill) Mahler, and Carollee (John) Oldani; devoted daughter of the late Charles and Margaret (nee Swanson) Berkholz; fond aunt, great-aunt, and great-great aunt to many; fun-loving cousin and loyal friend.

Joan was a committed volunteer in numerous and varied charitable organizations throughout her life. She delivered meals until 2011 for Meals on Wheels and worked in the thrift store for Guardian Angel Settlement Association until late last year. Not satisfied with giving only during her lifetime, her generosity continues subsequent to her death, as she donated her remains to her former employer St. Louis University for medical studies. She made the world a better place. If she touched your life in even a small way, the best honor you can give her is to pay it forward with the same smile, kindness, generosity, loyalty, and commitment in your own life.

SERVICES: Memorial Mass on July 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, 4900 Ringer Rd. St. Louis. Luncheon to follow. Memorials to Catholic Charities, Guardian Angel Settlement Association, Cancer Research Institute, or a charity of your choice.