Salt Lake City, UT - The family of Carol Ann Donahue announce her passing on January 3, 2026, in Salt Lake City, UT. The name "Carol," meaning "song of joy," reflected her spirit as she embraced life fully. Though short in stature, she always filled the room with light and laughter and once you met her you had a friend for life.

Born in Waterloo, IA in 1957, Carol attended Washington Jr High, Ottumwa, IA and graduated from Hoover High School, Des Moines, IA and received a BA in speech and drama, University of Iowa, and earned a Master of Arts, Education, Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Bakersfield.

Professionally, at Kern High School, Bakersfield, CA and then at Escondido Charter High School, Carol taught English, speech and drama while also mentoring college-bound students. Her love of writing, drama, and theater then led to wonderful opportunities and lasting friendships throughout her production career at the La Jolla Playhouse, the University of California-San Diego, and finally, The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.

Carol loved to travel and formed lasting friendships around the world. She coordinated education and communication workshops in Mexico and Russia, and organized fundraising drives for the Baja Orphanage.

Carol took great joy in writing about the many adventures in her life, capturing both laughter and challenges in her book: "Carol and Sheila Go to Europe: A Memoir of Self-discovery, Friendship, Family and Loss".

She was preceded in death by parents Lester and Mary Kathleen Donahue, brother Patrick and brother-in-law Steve Yochum. She is survived by siblings: Michael (Patricia), Mary Yochum, Timothy (Elise), and Diane. Her nephews: Christopher (Jennifer) Donahue, Matthew Yochum and niece Hanna Reichler. Her grandnephew and grandniece: Joshua and Zoey Donahue.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McLarens Resthaven Cemetery, 1801 19th St, West Des Moines, IA at 11 a.m. on May 23, 2026, with internment following at 12:30 p.m. Please bring an interesting or fun story about Carol to share.

RSVP: mikedonahue@vom.com