Mary Donahue

In Loving Memory of Matushka Mary Donahue

Matushka Mary Donahue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was born at home on February 1, 1923, in the Burnside neighborhood of Chicago, IL. She peacefully passed away on December 7, 2023, at the remarkable age of 100, in Rockford, IL.

Matushka Mary, along with Father Photius Donahue, founded St. Andrew Orthodox Catholic Church in East Lansing, MI, a testament to their commitment to faith and community. The first liturgy was held on April 6, 1952, marking the beginning of a legacy that would impact generations to come. Matushka Mary dedicated her life to the church and its parishioners, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she served.

She is survived by her loving family, including her sister Carol Redmerski; daughters Kathleen Carstensen and Denise (Steven) Covell, along with her cherished grandchildren: Melissa (deceased in 2023) (Michael), Michael (Viktoria), Matthew (Sarah), and Christopher (Ryan). Matushka Mary is also remembered by her great-grandchildren Emma, Liam, Riley, Lukas, Nicklas, Brennen, Gavin, and Oliver. In addition to her family, Mary leaves behind a multitude of friends whose lives she touched.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Father Photius Donahue (1983), her parents Nicholas and Karolina, brothers Nicholas, Walter, George, Joseph, and sister Irene.

Known for her love of church, family, fine wine, and tapping her feet to polka music, Matushka Mary’s vibrant spirit enriched the lives of those around her. Her warm presence and caring nature will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Matushka Mary’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bickford Senior Living of Rockford and Northern Illinois Hospice for their compassionate care.

The family will receive friends at Estes-Leadley Funeral Homes, located at 325 W. Washtenaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 6-8 pm, with a Panikhida Service at 7 pm. The funeral service will take place at St. Andrew Orthodox Catholic Church, located at 1216 Greencrest Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, on Thursday, December 14, 2023, beginning at 1:30 pm. Interment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2400 Bennett Rd, Okemos, MI 48864, at approximately 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions in memory of Matushka Mary Donahue to be made to St. Vladimir’s Seminary, through The Right Rev. Photius Donahue Memorial Scholarship Fund, honoring her lifelong commitment to faith and community.