Elaine Abbott Donohue

El Paso High School – Class of 1953

Elaine Abbott Donohue, a proud graduate of El Paso High School, Class of 1953. Her activities at EPHS included Football Queen, Spur Staff, A Capella Choir, ROTC Sponsors, Girls P.E. Leaders and Class Favorite. Following high school, she attended Texas Western College (now UTEP) and graduated in 1957. The next year, in 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, John W. Donohue, Jr.

Elaine dedicated her professional life to teaching. She worked for the El Paso Independent School District, with most of her career spent at MacArthur Elementary, where she taught kindergarten. She retired after 25 years of inspiring and nurturing young students.

Beyond the classroom, Elaine was deeply active in the El Paso community. She was a member and past president of Chapter AJ P.E.O., a member of the El Paso Junior League, the UTEP Women’s Auxiliary, Discover El Paso, Zeta Tau Alpha Alumni, the UTEP Alumni Association, and the El Paso Symphony Guild. She also served as Vice President of the P.E.O. Council. Elaine gave generously of her time to her beloved alma mater, serving as Chairman of her high school reunion committee, a member of the “Year of the Tiger” Reunion, and on the El Paso High School Centennial Reunion Committee.

Elaine’s love for life extended into her hobbies. She was an avid traveler who explored the world, a devoted reader, and a skilled quilter and cross-stitcher. She also enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, always embracing challenges with creativity and patience.

Elaine Abbott Donohue was a devoted wife, educator, community leader, and lifelong Tiger, whose impact reached far beyond the classroom.