Sister Mary (Thomas Daniel) Donahey, BVM
Sister Mary (Thomas Daniel) Donahey, BVM died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at Marian Hall in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 82.
The Rite of Committal was held Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. Funeral services and Sharing of Memories were held Dec. 21.
She was born on March 15, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Daniel and Loretta (Cook) Donahey. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1960, from St. Cecilia Parish, Panora, Iowa. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1963, and final vows on Feb. 2, 1968.
Sister Mary was a theology instructor at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. She was an associate professor at Mundelein College and a senior professor at Loyola University, both in Chicago.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers John Michael and Dan Donahey, and sister-in-law Patricia Donahey. She is survived by a brother Tom (Linda) Donahey, Redmond, Wash.; a sister-in-law Bette Donahey, Panora, Iowa; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 60 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or make an online gift.
Watch Memorial Mass and Sharing of Memories Download Eulogy Download Sharing of Memories
Mary Donahey was a very dear friend. Living with Mary while at Mundelein College years ago left memories that have nurtured my heart and soul. She will be sorely missed.
Mary Donahey was one kind and brilliant woman. As a young BVM in the early 60’s we often took long walks around the mother house (someone was probably “leaving” at the time). Mary posed to me an interesting question: “Roberta, Plato says that if we could educate everyone on the planet, we would eliminate evil in the world?” What do you think ?” I’m sure I was truly “stumped.” I’m still searching for an answer or, at least, a hint to an answer to this question.
My sincere sympathy to the Donahey family as well as her BVM family with whom she shared a lifetime of loving service to the Church as well as to her sisters in the BVM Community.
Peace to all who knew and loved Mary Donahey, BVM.
With loving gratitude for having known Mary Donahey and all her BVM sisters.