LILLIAN SONDGEROTH DONOHUE

Lillian Sondgeroth Donohue, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, attorney, educator, and community advocate, passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 77.

Lillian was born in Carroll, Iowa, on January 5, 1948. She moved with her parents to Las Vegas in 1955, where she would go on to build a life defined by service, compassion, and commitment to both her profession and her community. She is survived by her husband of over 20 years, Sgt. John Michael Donohue; her children, Lillian Ostro, Thomas Muije, and Mandy Donohue; and her cherished granddaughters, Eve and Elizabeth Ostro.

Lillian earned both her B.A. and M.A. in education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and taught at both UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada. She also served as a school psychologist for the Clark County School District. In the late 1970s, she earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law and became one of the first 100 women licensed to practice law in Nevada. Her legal career spanned nearly five decades, with practices in both Las Vegas and Pahrump, specializing in family law. Among her proudest contributions was her work with the Missing and Exploited Children's Foundation, where she helped reunite families and protect vulnerable children.

Her professional accomplishments were widely recognized. In 2000, she was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Trinity Educational Foundation; in 2001, she was honored as a Benefactor of the Nevada Law Foundation; and in 2002, she was named Charitable Planner of the Year by the UNLV Foundation. In a special proclamation, Governor Kenny Guinn declared May 7, 2001, a day in her honor for her tireless efforts supporting victims of child abduction.

Beyond her legal work, Lillian was deeply involved in charitable and civic service. She served on the boards of the March of Dimes, the Pahrump Senior Citizens, and the State Bar of Nevada Family Law Council. She was also the longtime attorney for the Symphony Animal Foundation and actively supported numerous community organizations throughout her life.

Despite all her accolades, Lillian's greatest joy was her family. She was endlessly proud of her children and grandchildren, and her life was a constant source of support, love, and guidance to those closest to her.

Lillian leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, strength, and compassion. Her life made a profound impact on the people and causes she championed, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services will be held at a later date.