Donna Hirsch, age 76, of Braham died December 12, 2021 at Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, December 16th at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Braham. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Click here to watch the livestreamed service at church.
Donna Mae Hirsch was born on September 28, 1945 to Florence (Woolcott) and Albert Tharp in Anoka, MN. She died of Covid complications on December 12, 2021. She graduated from the St. Francis School in 1963. She met Charles Hirsch while visiting her friend and Charles’ sister Carol and knew instantly that “He was the one.” It was love at first sight for both of them.
Donna converted to Catholicism after attending Mass with Charles and his parents. Charles and Donna were married in the Catholic Church on November 28, 1964. They raised a family of ten children in the Braham area. Donna always said that their children were their earthly treasure and a gift from God.
Donna loved “God first, then family, then…” She was always the family prayer titan, and we all knew who to ask for prayers for important things, because her’s were powerful and answered quickly! In particular, she loved the rosary and prayed it daily. If she fell asleep while praying, she would ask her guardian angel to finish her prayers for her. She was very creative and enjoyed crocheting, especially her rag rugs and Baptism outfits for her many grandchildren. She loved gardening, scrapbooking, and sewing. Donna also loved to teach these things to her children and grandchildren.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Florence (Woolcott) Tharp; her brothers, Jack and Wally Tharp; daughter, Cathy Hirsch; parents-in-law, Emerson and Delores Hirsch; brothers-in-law, Ronald and Glen Hirsch, and son-in-law, William Kent.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles; her children, Billie Jean and Russell Asmussen, Jeri K and Robert Riddle, Jeni and William Wood, Eddy and Ashley (Merchlewicz) Hirsch, Aaron Hirsch, Diane and Brian Wolf, Dean and Autumn (Norgren) Hirsch, Karen Hirsch, and Keith and Rhea (Fix) Hirsch; 33 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and nine brothers/sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends she loved like family.
Donna embraced me from day one. I had only been dating her daughter Diane for two weeks and here I was at Christmas with her huge family wondering what they would think of me. Not only did she welcome me but she had presents for me! I only knew her for the last three years of her life but I’m honored and grateful to have known and loved her. Always selfless, making sure everyone was taken care of before taking care of her own needs, she was a blessing to everyone who met her. She will be missed, she’s the mother I always wished I had, thank you Donna! I know you’re sitting with Jesus now and your pain is gone.
So sad to hear of Aunt Donna passing away, so heartbreaking.
She was a very kind, thoughtful lady.
She was my dad’s little sister, 16 years younger than him.
One of the things I remember most about Aunt Donna is she loved to send cards for all occasions.
Even with all those people in her family, she always remembered my birthday.
She made the most beautiful handmade cards. She always wrote “made with love” on the back of them.
So sad that this beautiful lady is gone and sadly there will be no more “made with love” cards from her.
My condolences to Uncle Charlie and all my cousins.
Love Linda
My prayers go to the family and friends who have lost a Special Angel this holiday season. She will forever shine in our hearts.
Donna was the best friend ever! I loved her so much and so appreciate having such a wonderful person in my life.
My condolences to her family. Sending prayers your way while you mourn the loss of this beautiful lady.
We are so very sorry for the loss of our sister-in-law. In reading what has been written we agree with her generosity, her wonderful craftiness and beautiful cards. But one of the things that we remember first of all when we think of her, is that beautiful smile and great laugh. And that jokester type personality. We are so very sorry for all of you in the family, and for all of us actually, to have lost her. She will be missed. Love to you all and God Bless You!
All my love and prayers to the Hirsch family during this very difficult time. I’m sorry I am unable to attend Donna’s service, but with the weather the way it is and slippery conditions, I’m just not comfortable driving. Please know that I am there in thoughts and prayers. Donna was an amazing sister-in-law and friend, and I will always remember our trips to the cities to buy tons of groceries for our families; and eating at the steak house afterwards. I couldn’t have asked for better company. I pray that God, and all the wonderful memories of Donna, will bring comfort and peace to you all during this time of mourning. With love and sympathy, Aunt Rita.
CLYDE AND I MET CHARLES AND DONNA BACK IN 1965 WHEN WE BOUGHT THE HOUSE IN BETHEL THAT THEY HAD BEEN RENTING. I ALWAYS FELT GUILTY FOR MAKING THIS NICE YOUNG COUPLE MOVE, BUT WE BECAME CLOSE FRIENDS OVER THE NEXT YEARS LIVING IN BETHEL. DONNA WAS THEN, AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN FOR ME, A SYMBOL OF LOVE. SHE LOVED HER CHARLES AND HER BABIES, AND SHE LOVED HER NEIGHBOR, WHOMEVER THAT MIGHT BE.
UNFAILINGLY KIND AND GENEROUS, ALWAYS ABLE TO STRETCH A MEAL TO FEED ANYONE WHO CAME TO THEIR DOOR. ALTHOUGH OUR PATHS DIVERTED TO OTHER AREAS OF THE COUNTRY, WE KEPT IN TOUCH AND NEVER FORGOT CHARLES AND DONNA AND THE MODEL OF CHARITY THEY BOTH EMBODIED.
WE FEEL BLESSED IN THAT WE WERE ABLE TO VISIT THEM IN JULY OF THIS YEAR. AND WE KNOW THAT WE ALL HAVE A GOOD FRIEND IN HEAVEN WHO WILL BE PRAYING FOR US.
OUR SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY. THANKS FOR KEEPING US INFORMED THESE PAST DAYS.
CATHY AND CLYDE RANSOM
Aunt Donna was always a part of my life — starting with becoming my godmother when I was a week old. So I’ll remember her fondly, as the sweet person who had a fun laugh, a good joke and a smile for everyone. She was a great cook and crafty and I was honored to get many of her handmade cards and a beautiful quilt she gifted me when I graduated high school. I have several nativity trinkets/ornaments that she gave me that I take out each Christmas as I decorate my home.
I am very sorry her life was taken too soon and wish we’d been able to have one more of the family picnics we started before the pandemic while she was here. Sending prayers of peace and love to all who loved Donna. I know she’s up with the angels watching over us all.