Victoria E. Donoghue

Victoria Elizabeth Donoghue (Lerario), age 92, of Riverdale, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her son’s home in Mechanicsville, Maryland, surrounded by her family on October 4, 2025, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.

Born on August 4, 1933, the youngest of three children to Italian immigrant parents Thomas and Mary Lerario (Colaprico), Victoria was a proud Washingtonian. She was born in the family home on Irving Street NW, later moving to Ingraham Street NW and then Silver Spring.

A graduate of Notre Dame High School (Class of 1951), where she served as class vice president and starred as the school’s leading softball pitcher. Victoria went on to the Washington School of Secretaries, graduating in 1952. She began her career in public service working for Congressman Oakley Hunter of California at the Cannon House Office Building—just two doors down from then-Congressman John F. Kennedy—while also working weekends at The Washington Post.

Victoria could always turn a penny into a quarter. Through hard work and determination, she purchased the family home in Riverdale, Maryland, where she and her husband, Patrick Donoghue, raised their six sons. Later, she worked as a proofreader for a scientific magazine to help put her boys through DeMatha Catholic High School. She went on to work in Admissions at the University of Maryland, and ultimately spent 30 years with Asian Relief, retiring at the remarkable age of 84.

Victoria built a life that was rich in the things that truly mattered, and her greatest joy was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her happiest moments were spent with us, particularly during Christmas, her favorite season. Her home was always filled with the unmistakable aromas of her cooking, her radiant smile, the bright sound of her laughter, and her enveloping warmth.

Beyond family gatherings, she found fulfillment in simple joys, whether it was feeling the sun on her face at the beach, tending to her flower garden, or sharing her enthusiasm for antique car shows with her eldest son. Her devotion to God and the Blessed Mother anchored her life and brought her lasting peace.

Though the world feels quieter without her, Victoria’s love shaped generations, and her light will forever shine in the hearts of those she cherished. Her spirit will continue to guide her family and friends, reminding them that love, kindness, and togetherness are life’s true gifts.

We were blessed beyond measure to have such an extraordinary woman at the heart of our family. We love you and you will forever be missed.

Victoria is preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Donoghue. Her love for Patrick remained steadfast throughout their 54 years of marriage, until his passing.

As a beloved mother, she is preceded in death by her second eldest son, Timothy Donoghue.

As a devoted sister, she is preceded in death by her brother, Peter T. Lerario (Louise +), and her sister, Gloria Poulos (James +).

She is survived by her loving sons Patrick Jr., Dennis, Jack (Lety), Paul, and Peter; her adored grandchildren Julia (Vanessa), Alexandra, Matthew (Madeline), Sean, Marissa (Brandon), Michael, Amanda, Ryan and Nicholas; and her treasured great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Adeline.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to DeMatha Catholic High School at https://www.dematha.org. Please select the “Support” button and note that your gift is made in memory of “Victoria Donoghue”.

A viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 7301 Annapolis Road, Landover Hills, MD 20784.

Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m., with a reception immediately afterwards in the Burgundy Room.