Women’s History Month: Inez Donley
Inez Donley’s life was a testament to the quiet power of dedication, leadership and civic service. As a woman who never sought the spotlight but continuously transformed the Lehigh Valley through her volunteerism and philanthropy, Donley made a mark that’s embedded in the fabric of the community. Her life and career exemplify LPPIH’s Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being framework, particularly in Belonging & Civic Muscle.
From humble beginnings
Born Inez Cantrell on Aug. 6, 1915, near Smithville, Tenn., she grew up in a farming family of seven children. Life demanded resilience early on: her mother passed away when Inez was just 5 years old. Determined to build a better future, she worked in a boarding house to pay her way through McKenzie School of Business, where she studied bookkeeping and typing. These skills led her to a secretarial job at Air Products, a growing company producing oxygen generators during World War II. It was there that she met Edward Donley, the man she would marry in 1946.
As Edward’s career at Air Products flourished – eventually leading him to CEO – Donley built her own legacy. Moving to the Lehigh Valley in 1949, she became deeply involved in community service, touching countless lives through education, health care and philanthropy.
The heart of civic engagement
Donley’s contributions to the Lehigh Valley extended across multiple organizations. She was instrumental in fundraising efforts that supported hospitals, libraries and children’s organizations. Known for her no-nonsense yet deeply compassionate approach, Donley was always willing to go beyond expectations to meet a goal.
One notable moment came when a Good Shepherd Rehabilitation fundraising campaign was falling short. When asked if she could take on five more donor contacts, Donley replied, “I’ll take 10.” Her efforts ensured the campaign met its $1 million goal. It was this unwavering commitment to helping others that earned her the admiration of many.
Her work with KidsPeace, an organization supporting disadvantaged children, was among her most impactful contributions. When she first joined the board, the facility was in a dire state – with leaks in the roof and holes in the walls. She played a key role in securing the funds to develop the modern KidsPeace campus in Orefield, ensuring that vulnerable children had access to a safe and supportive environment. Her fundraising efforts helped KidsPeace expand its programs, allowing it to provide services to more children in need.
As president of the Allentown Public Library board from 1979 to 2004, she oversaw its transformation from a small, outdated building to a modern facility at 12th and Hamilton. She championed initiatives that doubled the library’s user base, introduced free internet access, and even arranged for peanut butter sandwiches to be distributed to children from low-income families. Her advocacy helped the library become a vital educational resource for the entire community. Former library director Kathryn Stephanoff recalls her subtle yet effective leadership, noting Donley’s approach was “an occasional raised eyebrow, a few soft words and the wonderfully helpful questions of why, how, when and for whom?”
A woman of determination
Despite her many contributions, Donley never sought recognition for herself. When she was honored with a United Way award in 1981, those who knew her best described her as someone who “just wants to get the job done.” One tribute summed her up perfectly: “There are givers and there are takers; Inez is a giver.” She also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Muhlenberg College in 1984, which acknowledged her extensive humanitarian contributions.
Even outside of her community work, Donley exuded warmth and strength. She was a devoted mother and wife, balancing family life with her extensive civic duties. She was known for her skills in the kitchen, famous for her fried chicken and homemade pies. She was also a skilled gardener, an avid bridge player and a formidable basketball player in her youth. When encouraged, she could still demonstrate a perfect granny shot free throw, much to the delight of those around her.
Her sharp mind and work ethic were legendary. She had an innate ability to manage finances, organize projects and bring people together. She was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her belief that no task was too small when it came to helping others.
A lasting legacy
Inez Donley passed away on Jan. 27, 2013, at the age of 97, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her legacy, however, lives on in the institutions she helped build and the lives she touched. Whether it was ensuring a struggling library could thrive, helping vulnerable children find safety or championing community causes with relentless dedication, Donley left the world better than she found it.
Consistent with the vision and mission at LPPIH, Donley understood that strong communities are built through meaningful relationships, civic engagement and a commitment to service. In celebrating her life, we honor the power of one person’s dedication to uplifting those around them, and her example of how true leadership is measured not in titles or accolades, but in impact.
Inez Donley was, in every sense, the heart of her community. And her legacy continues to inspire all of us.
