Antoinette “Toni” (Carroll) Donoghue of Dover, died peacefully on July 17, 2025 surrounded by family, following a brave battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was seventy-seven years of age.
Toni was born in Amityville and raised in Massapequa, NY. She attended the Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood, NY for high school. Toni received her B.A. and Master’s degree in Education from Boston College. For several years Toni served as a Special Education teacher, and also worked with the blind at The Lighthouse / NY Association for the Blind in New York City. As she raised her family, she spent nearly twenty-five years as a real estate professional in Dover, MA — a town where she lived for almost fifty years with her beloved husband Jack Donoghue.
At age forty Toni became a daily runner on the streets of Dover. She rarely missed a running day for thirty-six years straight and braved all types of New England weather. Her boundless energy brought her to every possible school and athletic event to support her nine adoring grandchildren, all who lived within a few miles of her. Known as “Gigi” by her grandchildren (and their scores of friends and teammates) she was an extraordinary and kinetic force of faith, love and fortitude. Her famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies could be found on the sidelines and benches of countless fields and rinks. Toni was also an avid golfer and for many years boasted the most rounds per season at her beloved Wellesley Country Club — always playing 18 holes at a fast clip and always carrying her own bag. Her biggest impact, however, was her lasting example of steadfast faith in God and the power of prayer.
Toni is survived by her loving husband of fifty-one years, Attorney John (“Jack”) Donoghue of Dover, MA; son Brendan Donoghue and daughter-in-law Margaret Donoghue of Wellesley, MA; daughter Meghan Sutherland and son-in-law Tyler Sutherland of Needham, MA; and daughter Tarah Breed and son-in-law Allen Breed of Dover, MA. Grandchildren: Quentin, Charlie, Margot Donoghue; Grace, Liam and Jack Sutherland; Hunt, George and Katherine Breed. Brother: Charles Carroll; Sisters: Mary Lambui (predeceased); Marcia Lindstrom; Frances Carroll (predeceased); Brenda Patterson, and Patricia Rogers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph Church, 1382 Highland Ave. Needham on Tuesday, July 22, at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Private interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Needham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Toni’s name for school rebuilding efforts in Masaka (Uganda) in Africa to: Anawin Fund, c/o: St. Joseph Parish, 1382 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02492.