Barbara Anne Donaho

Barbara Anne Donaho, age 92, of Stow, OH, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Barbara was born June 4, 1933 in Chesterfield Township, MI to the late H. Wayne and Alice (Bishop) Russell.

Barbara received a BSN degree from the Johns Hospital University, a MA from the University of Chicago, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Kent State University. In her career, she held corporate level position in the Sisters of Mercy Health Corporation (1979-87). Served as Commissioner of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO) from 1979-87. Had the honor of being the only nurse member of the American Hospital Association Board of Directors (1988-90) and received their Trustees Award in 1988. Also chaired the American Hospital Association's Council on Nursing. In 1992, appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Johns Hopkins University. Vice President for Nursing and Patient Care at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. Served as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Anthony's Hospital and Health Care Center (1991-94). Completed the two year term as President of the American Academy of Nurses and am a graduate of the Johnson and Johnson-Wharton Fellows Program. Served on the Board of Directors of the Sisters of Providence Health System, Seattle, WA and the Boards of Goodwill-Suncoast, American Red Cross (Tampa Bay Suncoast Chapter), and the American Hospital Publishing Co. After retirement, served as chair of the Kent State College of Nursing Advisory Committee. Along with her sister Mary Lou she did a great deal of traveling. Developed an interest in photography and spent time taking pictures of birds and flowers.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Phipps; niece, Karen (Wesley) Johnston; great nieces and nephew, Alissa, Amanda, Andrea, and Michael. She was preceded in death by her son, Wayne Donaho; and parents.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at United Church of Christ of Kent, 1400 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240, followed by Memorial Service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Amy Gopp officiating. A reception will follow at 12:00 PM at United Church of Christ of Kent. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to United Church of Christ of Kent.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.