WATERBURY- Nora (Griffin) Donahue, age 63, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Hospital for Special Care Respiratory Unit in New Britain CT following a lengthy illness. She was the devoted and loving wife of Timothy Donahue for over 37 years. Nora’s journey home reunites her with her loving Mother, Brother, Grandmother and countless family members.

Nora was born on October 3, 1963, in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of the late Francis and Ann (Laurencelle) Griffin. She was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School, where she enjoyed carrying on her family’s decades-long tradition as a Heart. Nora went on to further her education at Naugatuck Valley Community College. She had a passion for helping others, especially the elderly and sick, even as she worked so hard to overcome her lifelong battle with asthma and pulmonary disease.

She worked for several years in the communications department as a phone operator at Bradley Memorial Hospital. She later went on to dedicate countless years of service as a City of Waterbury Parks and Recreation staff member. Nora cherished her Irish heritage and her family above all. She loved spending time at the Cape with her loving husband where they would enjoy the Irish Village and all of the traditions they so loved. Nora for many years was so happy to have her family with her each 4th of July at her home to enjoy the Stadium fireworks. Above all else, Nora left an incredible impact on her family as they witnessed her perseverance, resilience, and never give up attitude toward her health. Nora’s favorite line was always “I’m fine!” She truly was a woman of strength who will be so missed by all of us. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her love ones and is finally at peace.

Left to honor and cherish her memory in addition to her beloved husband, are her two loving sisters Eileen (Kevin) Regan of Watertown and Nancy (Sal) Mancini of Waterbury. She also leaves her Aunt Margaret “Peggy” Laurencelle of Southington, in addition to a large extended Irish family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends. Nora was predeceased by her brother William “Bill” Griffin whom she adored as well as her beloved dog Buddy.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Waterbury Pulmonary Associates, Autumn Lake Healthcare at Bucks Hill, and the staff of the Waterbury Hospital ICU for their compassionate care during Nora's illness.

Funeral services for Nora will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 635 Bunker Hill Ave, Waterbury. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. There are no calling hours. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705, has been honored to assist the Donahue family during this most difficult time. To honor Nora’s memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to the American Lung Association at www.donate.American Lung Association would be most appreciated by her family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Nora to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.