Samantha "Sam" L. (Gudgel) Donahue of Springfield, IL, 50, passed away on August 6, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 17, 1975, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Walt Sr. & Marlene Gudgel.

Sam was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2024. She had many doctor appointments and second/third opinions, finally deciding on chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It was hard for her, but she fought all the way. Sam finished her treatments, and on June 27, 2025, she was given a Cancer Free Diagnosis. In July, Sam fell ill and needed to be hospitalized. Again she fought hard, but her body was so weak from all the fight she had already put in this past year. Her body was tired and couldn't fight anymore.

Sam worked for DCFS, DHS, Servpro, and most recently was a Customer Advocate with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Sam enjoyed her time with family and absolutely loved her title as "Mimi". She loved and adored her grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews. Sam was a daughter, sister/best friend, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.

Sam enjoyed doing crafts and was very talented at everything she created. She was an amazing cook; taking whatever ingredients she had on hand and turning them into a delicious dish! Sam also loved her coffee, especially Starbucks!

Sam is survived by her daughter, Virginia "Ginny" (Zach) Merideth; son, Dallas Donahue; daughter-in-law, Sierra Donahue; grandchildren, Jordyn M Merideth and Jameson Donahue; mother, Marlene Gudgel; siblings, Walt Jr. (Linda) Gudgel and Sabrina (Chaz) Otken; nieces & nephews, Stormie Otken, Chelsey Vaughn, Chase Otken, Alex Gudgel, and Lucas Gudgel; great-niece, Adalyn Vaughn; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Sam was preceded in death by her son, Sean M Donahue, and her father, Walt Gudgel Sr.

Sam was a kind soul, always willing to lend a helping hand. She has touched a lot of lives throughout her journey here with us, and she will be deeply missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date for loved ones to come and share their stories about Samantha.