Linda S. Donahue, CO, BOCO, age 58, died on July 29 at her home in Richmond Hill, Georgia.
Donahue attended Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and served as an instructor for the Camp Institute of Applied Technology (CIAT), offering training in fitting of post-mastectomy, compression-therapy, and orthotic soft goods. She later served as vice president of sales and product development for Biomedical Horizons, Jackson, Michigan. She retired in 2000, but still served as a member of the board of directors of O&P Design, Dallas, Texas.
Dennis Williams, president and COO of the Fillauer Companies, Chattanooga, Tennessee, told The O&P EDGE that Donahue “pioneered the development of many medical products, especially those related to women’s healthcare, which radically improved the lifestyles for many women all over the world. Linda was one of the first to bring external silicone breast-form technology to market. She introduced designer bras, and designed a line of swimwear, which brought a sense of fashion to women worldwide who had suffered from breast cancer. Linda was also instrumental in changing the perception of compression therapy with the introduction of ‘Measure to Fit’ off-the-shelf compression hosiery.”
Donahue is survived by her husband of 31 years, William J. Donahue; her mother, Cecilia Sierawski; and three brothers.
Williams stated, “We are thankful to Linda S. Donahue for all the knowledge she contributed in the field of orthotics and prosthetics; for those of us who had the privilege of working with her, we consider it an honor. This is an enormous loss for all who knew her, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her beloved husband, William J. Donahue, and family.”
