Therese Marie Donahue of Potterville, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea, Grand Rapids, Essexville, Ossineke, Parchment and Ypsilanti, died Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was 78.
Born October 6, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Therese was the daughter of Frank Henry and Mary Cecilia (Dolan) Donahue. Throughout a remarkable and varied life, she dedicated herself to education, social work, faith, service and the communities she called home.
Therese and her fraternal twin sister, Marilyn, were baptized Catholic and later spent a period of their lives as Dominican Sisters in 1989. Her commitment to education continued throughout her life. She graduated from Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids and earned her bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in 1972 before eventually completing a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Michigan.
Her professional life reflected her desire to serve others. Therese worked as a middle and high school teacher within the Catholic Diocese of Traverse City and served as a Catholic Associate Pastor. She also worked as an ACSW, Realtor and U.S. Rural Route Postal Carrier. Later, she served as a social worker for the State of Michigan Correction Facility in Jackson before retiring from the Ann Arbor Veteran’s Hospital.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Therese remained active in her community. She was a member and volunteer at the Chelsea Wellness Center, where her willingness to participate and help others reflected the same spirit she brought to many aspects of her life.
One of the most important relationships in Therese’s life was the bond she shared with her twin sister, Marilyn. The sisters lived together in a beautiful lakefront home they designed and became active members of their local community. Marilyn was known for drawing Therese into conversations with new people, and over time, neighbors came to know and appreciate both sisters.
Those neighborhood relationships became a treasured part of Therese’s later years. Friends remembered her finding special treasures at garage sales, treating others to lattes and joining Marilyn in hosting the neighborhood Christmas party. These seemingly simple occasions became lasting memories for the people fortunate enough to share them with her.
Therese was remembered as a “spitfire” and a force to be reckoned with, but also as someone whose infectious laugh could bring out the fun and lighthearted side of the people around her. Her personality, generosity and ability to make others feel welcome left an impression on friends and neighbors.
Many of those who knew Therese have reflected on the memories they shared with her, describing those experiences as something they will continue to cherish. Her death has left a significant absence in the lives of the people who came to know her throughout the many communities she called home.
Therese is survived by her fraternal twin sister, Marilyn Marie Donahue of Chelsea; her younger brother, John Patrick Donahue of Charlotte; and her nieces and nephews, Katie Donahue, Eric Donahue, James Donahue II, Johnny Gallmeier and David Gallmeier.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, James and Alice Donahue Sr.; her sister and brother-in-law, Judith Anne and Gene Gallmeier; and her nephews, Timothy Gallmeier and George Gallmeier.
For her family, friends and neighbors, Therese’s legacy will be found in the lives she touched through teaching, social work, faith, volunteering and friendship. She brought determination, humor and compassion to the people around her and created memories that will remain long after her passing.
Therese Donahue will be remembered as a devoted sister, educator, caregiver, community volunteer and friend whose vibrant personality made her impossible to forget. She was deeply loved, widely appreciated and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
