Hillary Ryan Mackenzie Donahue

A light dimmed on earth and the heavens gained a star when Hillary Ryan Mackenzie Donahue unexpectedly passed away on August 30, 2020 at her home in Willis, TX. Hillary was born on January 16, 1979 in Riverside, California to parents Michael and Catherine Donahue. She was later joined by a sister, Jillian Donahue of Colorado Springs and brother Michael Donahue, of Ludington, Michigan. Hillary graduated with an IB Diploma from John W. North High School and furthered her undergrad studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Hillary was married to Terry Wilson of Abilene, TX on July 11, 2010 with whom she shared a beautiful journey for 18 years. In addition to making homes in California, Texas, Iowa, and Michigan, Hillary also enjoyed a jet setting life, traveling both nationally and internationally to destinations like Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Iceland. She dreamed of traveling the world. She had a passion for spicy food, exotic cooking and cuisine, boating, interior decorating, deep conversations, time with family and meaningful friendships. Described by friends as a “gypsy soul with a heart of gold,” there is nothing Hillary wouldn’t do to bring a smile to the face of a friend or stranger. Hillary was known for her infectious smile, eclectic style, and charismatic spirit. She is preceded in death by both grandmothers, a grandfather, uncle, and her father. She was deeply loved and survived by her mother, Catherine Wells Donahue of Scottville, MI, her grandfather Col. John F. Donahue, USAF (Ret.), her husband, siblings, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Hillary’s life is pending.

“When you come to the edge of all you know, you must believe in one of two things: There will be earth upon which to stand or you will be given wings.”