Alexandra B. Donahue, 54
Alexandra B. Donahue died Nov. 21 after a courageous battle with cancer in San Francisco, Calif., surrounded by loving family and friends. Alexandra had an infectious laugh, a huge heart, a beautifully sunny smile and a fearless spirit of adventure. Her toddler cousin bestowed the life-long nickname of “Z” and it perfectly suited her radiant personality, creativity, humor and unmistakable sense of style. Z dressed vividly (especially pinks) and embraced graceful conversation.
Z was born in Brookline and enjoyed the Martha’s Vineyard life all her summers. Childhood days were blissfully unscheduled. Picking berries barefoot on Chappy - then getting poison ivy. Eating ice cream - and it melting everywhere. Enduring the occasional skinned knee when a rusted bike lacked brakes. Happily zooming down the slide and playing Zim-Zam at the Chappy Beach Club. Always chasing her dogs, especially Bandit. Sailing Widgeons at the Edgartown Yacht Club, evolving into “Round the Island” races with Dad aboard Antares while enjoying a smokey sou’wester through Vineyard Sound.
Milton Academy provided a robust grade and high school experience. Z thrived — acting and singing in plays, writing for The Milton Measure and honing her emerging political savviness in student government. She graduated from Tufts University. Z created life-long friendships at both schools.
To meet Z was to love her. As a friend, she shone in a way that brought the best of the best together. Z was relentlessly curious and exceptionally well-read; broad in scope and analytical in depth. She was liberal with her empathy and welcoming attitude towards others. Z often sprinkled obscure references to movies, literature and world events, keeping conversations sparkling.
Her eBay adventures collecting rare vintage perfume bottles segued to crafting exquisite sea-glass jewelry for her cousins, nieces and friends. Each piece was a tiny work of art, glowing with love.
In the 1990s, Z made San Francisco her home, reveling in its natural beauty, vibrant cultural mix and personal freedoms. Working for Wired, as the magazine’s first online consumer marketing manager, Z learned to compete and succeed in a fast-paced technology environment. Her many business successes helped establish the magazine’s national brand. Wired later asked Z to move to London to launch Wired UK in partnership with the Guardian. Z seized the opportunities.
While working in London, Z discovered the joy of Pilates and became so enamored that she became a Pilates instructor. Returning to the Bay Area in the 2000s, Alexandra launched thriving Pilates studios in San Francisco and Palo Alto. She was a superb trainer, helping hundreds of people over more than 20 years. Her clients truly adored her and credited Z with helping them overcome a variety of maladies. Z was particularly gifted at understanding the intricacies of movement and the complex interactions between the human mind and body. Her many and varied clients provided Z great satisfaction, often becoming personal friends.
Z actively participated in the broader community, including proud membership in the “San Francisco Unreasonable Women’s Group.”
The illness that claimed Z’s life was brutal and rapid. Throughout, friends from all phases of her life showered Z with unwavering love and steadfast support. We wish to express our love and appreciation to Z’s friends, individually and collectively. We are also grateful to the many fine doctors and nurses at San Francisco General Hospital and at Coming Home Hospice.
Alexandra is survived by her Mother, Julia H. Donahue, Father, Dr. Robert M. Donahue (Sherrie Cutler), two sisters, Kara S. Donahue (Alec Berman) and Marcia D. Spivey (Chris Spivey), and brother Robert M. Donahue, Jr. (Jessica Zoob). Countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews express their love and appreciation for Z’s magnificent life.
Celebration of Life services will be arranged for the Spring in both San Francisco and Boston. In Z’s memory, please consider contributing to By the Bay Health.
Comments
https://bythebayhealth.org
https://bythebayhealth.org
Sending love to the whole
Owen Reidy Spring Lake, NJSending love to the whole family during this difficult time. I will my irreplaceable cousin Z fondly.
You made this world a happy
Roslyn Johnney aka Susie New York NYYou made this world a happy place and brought a ray of sunshine when you visited!
It was a great pleasure
Wayne Jervis GreenwichIt was a great pleasure knowing Z as a child and adult growing up on Chappy. She had great energy and an uplifting attitude that everyone she knew embraced. It is a great tragedy that she was taken from her family and friends way too early. Her insights, charm and wit blessed everyone she met. Z was loved by and will be missed by everyone in Edgartown, Brookline and San Francisco. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Donahue family.
My sister Amy and I sat on
Melissa Halleran Houston TXMy sister Amy and I sat on the phone the other evening trading Z stories. In most recollections, she was either making us feel safe, cool, or silly - and always immensely loved. She was the first “cool” we knew and the fact that she wanted to associate with us- her younger cousins, gave us the feeling we were on the top of the world. When I hear a song from The Police or Paul Simon, Z is in my head - Barbados spring of 1980 something. It was then she got me hooked on that music in between rounds of backgammon and epic games of charades. She danced like she didn’t care and I wanted to do the same- to be just like her - there was a freedom to her so attractive…I believe that wherever she has gone to she will still dance like she doesn’t care - hair flipping side to side and with a smile never to forget. I love you cuz, always…
Z was the cool older cousin,
Anne Sullivan West TisburyZ was the cool older cousin, one who would get even the shyest cousin on the dance floor. Sending condolences to the entire Donahue family.
Z was a dazzling original —
Jess Zoob NYCZ was a dazzling original — the kind of person who could light up a room, puncture a moment with perfect humor, and still leave you thinking long after the conversation ended. I was lucky to know her for so many decades; she was like a little sister to me, and I’ll carry her laugh, and her unmistakable spark with me always. The world feels different without her, but I know all of us who loved her will keep her stories and her spirit very much alive.
As a live in nanny, I met
Kathy Sheperd Plum Island, MAAs a live in nanny, I met Alexandra when she was 3 years old. Her ever-present radiant smile and endless sense of adventure drew many people into her loving orbit. From the time we met, I felt we were soulmates. I know she made many other people feel the same way. What an amazing gift she was to this world, and what a tragic loss. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Alexandra,aka, “Z” was a
Arthur J. Halleran, Jr. Miami, FLAlexandra,aka, “Z” was a truly marvelous human with a powerful inner character, encapsulated with a most gracious exterior manner.
An extraordinarly well-read individual, who was well-versed in current events, made Z a most able debater,who easily parsed facts from alternative facts.
An accomplished backgammon player, she was also a most talented charade participant. From Barbados to Italy, she always left her opponents and fellow participants laughing-truly a wonderful gift.
She is and will continue to be missed by her immediate family, Julie Halleran Donahue & Bob Donahue, Kara Donahue(Berman), Marcia Donahue(Spivey), Rob and Jessica Donahue and their respective children.
The rest of the family is devastated as well by her passing at such a young and vibrant age.
We love you Alexandra!
Looking at this magnificent
Janie Lugarini Paris and CorsicaLooking at this magnificent and radiant visage, it is very painful to admit that Z is no more among us.
I have wonderful memories of her and her very sensitive and witty personality. She was to me like a delightful niece with whom I shared too rare encounters. The news of her illness came as an awful trauma. In these difficult circumstances I want send to her family my love and prayers.
the News of Z’ terrible
Janie Lugarini 24 rue de Longchamp 75116 -Paris Francethe News of Z’ terrible illness came on us as a devastating Thunderbolt. Looking at this magnificent and radiant visage makes it difficult to believe that she is no more with us. Her délicate and sensitive personality made her immediately lovable, her company enjoyable. The last daughter of my dearest friend Julie, I looked at her and loved her like a niece. In such difficult circumstances, my thoughts and my prayers go her parents, Brother and sisters and all people affected by this loss.
Remember Z with joy, it was
Liz Bailey LONDONRemember Z with joy, it was so great having her in the London office of Wired. Sending big condolences to all her friends and family
Z was witty and powerfully
Susanna Camp San FranciscoZ was witty and powerfully perceptive, and could always be counted on for her keen observations on social dynamics, culture, politics, and more. It was an honor and privilege to be able to visit her in her final days and meet her family and a few of her closest friends. My condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Although we'll all miss you Z
Steve Double CairoAlthough we'll all miss you Z you will live on in our hearts and minds.
Sending love to all who knew you.
xxx
I spent the summer of 1976
Michael Halleran Williamsburg, VAI spent the summer of 1976 living with the Donahues in their Brookline home. My image of Z was imprinted then--sweet, sharp, lively, fun, kind. Everything I learned about her over the years and reenforced in these memories confirmed that picture I formed so long ago. A beautiful obituary, Rob. Thanks for that and to everyone for sharing their memories. The pain is great. My condolences and love to all.
Beautifully written Rob. I
Kyle Halleran ConnecticutBeautifully written Rob. I last met Z at a Halleran family Thanksgiving gathering at Arthur's in Massachusetts, but I was very young and don't remember much. This summary of her life and shared stories from family and friends in the comments really bring her to life for me. Thinking of the Donahues and all those close to Z. Love from CT.
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