Albina (Tonello) Donahue Messer formerly of Sagamore and Whitman MA passed away at her home in Sandwich on January 27, 2015 at the age of 87. Known as “Bini” by most, she was a courageous woman, known for her strength, independence, her loving ways and talented sewing skills.
Growing up in Sagamore, Bini loved to share her stories about growing up in the Sagamore “blocks”, swimming in the canal, walking to school over a drawbridge daily, sledding under the Sagamore Bridge and the friendships she developed and kept over 87 years, especially with her Sister in Law Margaret.
After moving from Sagamore, she met Robert “Bob” Donahue from Whitman. She and Bob settled in Whitman where she raised her sons John and Dennis. After a lengthy illness, Bob passed away in 1961. With the support of a strong family, she opened a beauty shop in her home so she could be with and care for her children.
In 1968 Bini married her second husband Richard and together they settled in West Barnstable. She continued running a beauty shop from her home and loved the friendships she established in West Barnstable and the sights and sounds of Great Marsh and Sandy Neck.
In 1996 she settled in Sandwich, about 2 miles from where she grew up. She and Dick frequently would visit the Cape Cod Canal to have lunch and share stories. A highlight for her was to take her Grandchildren and Great Nieces and Nephews for picnics at The Fish Hatchery or to the train bridge along the canal.
Bini is survived by her sons Dennis Donahue of Hyannis and John Donahue of Sandwich, her Grandchildren Cora Sylvester (Allen) of West Barnstable, Kelly Donahue of Hyannis; Shaun, Matt, Jack and Jessica Donahue of Westford and Jennifer Rubini (Nick) of Lowell MA. She is also survived by her Great Grandchildren Abigail and Benjamin Sylvester, Jordan and Samantha Thibeau and Mila Rubini. She will also be greatly missed by her brothers and sisters Mario Tonello (Margaret) of Sagamore, Vincent Tonello of Whitman, John Tonello of Fl, Valia “Peach” Smith of Sandwich, and her sister and best friend, Louise Meuse of Sandwich as well as many Nieces and Nephews that held a special place in her heart.
A funeral Mass will be held in the Corpus Christi Church of Sandwich on Friday February 20, 2015 at 10:30 AM. Burial in Whitman will be held at a later date. By request of the family, all other services are omitted.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Corpus Christi Building Fund, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, East Sandwich MA 02537.