Memorial Services for Sister Donna Brown

Sister Donna Brown, 96, Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at Avera Prince of Peace, Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 am Saturday, March 22nd at St Mary’s Parish, 2109 S. 5th Ave, Sioux Falls. Liturgical Wake service is Friday, March 21st at 5:30pm at the George Boom Funeral Home, 3408 E. 10th St, Sioux Falls. Visitation one half hour prior to services. Services will be live-streamed at www.georgeboom.com. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Aberdeen, SD at a later date.

Donna Brown was born June 28, 1928 in Sioux Falls to Ethel (Waddell) and Charles Brown. At age 3, Donna joined her siblings, “The Brown Kiddies”, singing, dancing and praising God on stage. She performed throughout her childhood. Donna loved bringing joy to others and she loved being with her family. She graduated from Washington High School, Sioux Falls. Donna worked for Nickel Plate Systems, who owned and operated several restaurants. Donna was a sales manager for Polar Amana Food Services. Donna felt called to dedicate her life to the Lord. In 1959, Donna joined the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, professing her vows on August 10,, 1961. Sister Donna started each morning asking God, “Lord, what are you going to do today that I get to be part of?”

With compassion and grace, Sister Donna served as a dormitory supervisor at the Presentation Children’s Home, Sioux Falls. She earned an AD in education from Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD; a BS in recreation and leisure sciences, Central Missouri University, Warrensburg, MO; a MS in pastoral studies, Loyola University, Chicago, IL and a certification from the Professional School of Massage, St Paul, MN.

Sister Donna ministered as a recreational therapist at the Veteran’s Hospital and Cliff Manor Nursing Home both in Kansas City, MO. In 1975, she provided pastoral care as the administrator at Avera Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen. Later, she served as an assistant director for the Presentation College Development Office, Aberdeen. In 1985, she began her holistic massage ministry for over 30 years. Sister Donna encouraged people to listen and receive the marvelous gifts from God.

Sister Donna was immersed in Celtic spirituality. One of her favorite lines she wrote, “So Dance Wherever You May Be, Nano Nagle, the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Got the Message, Now It’s Up to You and Me.” Sister Donna’s big, bright, beautiful smile, along with her humming a tune and moving her feet will be dearly missed.

Sister Donna is survived by her community family of Presentation Sisters; two siblings: Marilyn Boese, Joanna Salmon and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Sister Loraine Brown, PBVM, Lila Christy, Arlene Thoms, Juletta Oettinger, Bernadette Millard, Albert “Bus” and Robert.

We thank the Avera Prince of Peace and the Avera Hospice Team for their joyful, tender care of Sister Donna.