Marie was born in 1923 to Elizabeth (Doerfler) and Joseph Friendshuh. She was the second youngest of 16 children, all raised on a farm at 94th and Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis. The story of her life has two chapters: 1--a busy homemaker raising 8 children, 2--a widow creating a new life filled with church ministries and art work and trips and grandchildren and social groups and the great outdoors.
Marie married John B. Donahue on July 11, 1942. Marie and John lived most of their married lives in N. Mpls., and by 1958 they had 8 children. Marie was a loving and caring parent and homemaker.
When her husband John died in 1973, and with one child still living at home, she had to create a new life for her second chapter of 42 years. She joined a Christian community called “Servants of the Lord” and remained a part of this group for the next 12 years. She and her son, Matt, lived with this community for about half of those 12 years. She next moved into an apartment in N. Mpls., and later into a townhouse in Mounds View. Marie also worked as a teacher’s aide in the Mpls. school district for about 24 years.
Marie belonged to the Church of St. Bridget/St. Austin’s for nearly 45 years, and the Church of St. Paul for about 10 years. She was always involved in a variety of ministries, such as becoming a Stephen’s Minister, becoming a secular 3rd Order Franciscan, becoming a Befriender, and designing artwork for all the churches. Marie was a devoted “prayer warrior.” She moved into the St. Therese Residence in 2002. She was also actively involved in church ministry work at St. Therese for many years. She died there at the age of 92.
Marie was a natural and exceptional artist, sketching and painting in many mediums. She frequently took art classes and belonged to an Art Gallery. She sold a few pieces, but kindly gave her beautiful work to her very grateful relatives and friends. Her artistic talents had no limits.
She truly was a role model for all, as she stretched her talents, time, and money; babysitting her grandchildren; joining a social group called “Tea-Timers;” becoming a Gold Star Mother; taking trips to Alaska and Colorado and California and Ireland; donating to many charities; going on retreats; gardening; and spending time at an environmental center near Lake Superior.
She was a kind and forgiving and inspirational person who will be deeply missed, but will live on in our hearts.
Donahue, Marie E. (nee Friendshuh)
Age 92 of New Hope, died on Friday, October 2, 2015.
Preceded in death by Husband, John B.; Son, John T.; Granddaughter, Devorah Tovah Matthews; and all of her Siblings.
Survived by Children, Daniel (Gretchen), Rachael Matthews, Michael (Anna), Mary (Robert) Goodman, Rose Marie (John) Lucht, Paul (Charlotte), Matthew (Mary Carol); 17 Grandchildren, 17 Great-grandchildren, and many Nieces and Nephews.
~Visitation~
Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 PM at
Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home
7800 Bass Lake Rd.
New Hope, Minnesota
~Mass of Christian Burial~
Church of Saint Austin
4050 Upton Ave. N.
Minneapolis, Minnesota with visitation 1 hr. prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to:
Sharing & Caring Hands,
525 N. 7th St.,
MPLS, MN 55403, or
Wounded Warrior Project, Team MN,
9187 Cambridge Rd., Woodbury, MN 55125.
Kapala-Glodek-Malone 763-535-4112
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