Sister Donna Ebner, age 92, died on June 20, 2023, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn.
Donna Elizabeth Ebner was born on February 18, 1931, in Elk River, Minn., the fourth of six children born to Eric and Bernadette (Stenglein) Ebner. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 12, 1949, and received the name Sister Mary Hugh. She later reverted to her baptismal name. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1951, and final vows on August 12, 1954. She was a Franciscan Sister for 73 years.
Sister Donna graduated from St. Francis High School in 1949. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul; and furthered her education with studies at Dayton University, Dayton, Ohio; Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Ind.; College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph; and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
She ministered as an elementary teacher and principal in Catholic schools in St. Cloud, Morris, Fergus Falls, Osakis and Little Falls. She also shared her musical ability as organist. After leaving teaching, she ministered in the Community Relations Department of the Franciscan Sisters for 36 years. Over those years, she dutifully held the positions of communications director, publications specialist and executive secretary. During this time, she also taught literacy classes.
Sister Donna was a loyal and faith-filled woman who put her full energy into her work and prayer. She believed that to “pray always” was to be consciously aware of the mystery of God’s presence in all of life and to respond to it with joy and compassion. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Guardian Angel. She loved classical music, enjoyed birdwatching and sports, especially rooting for the Minnesota Twins. She liked putting together jigsaw puzzles—the more challenging, the better. She had a bond with Gil and Kathy’s dog, Dakota, which brought her special delight and joy on every visit.
Known as a woman with a mind for detail, order and harmony, she had a great talent for organizing. After ministering 36 years in Community Relations, she noted that the name of the department changed four times; she lived in five different places; her office moved eight times; equipment changed from the mimeograph to the copier to the computer, with upgrades, upgrades, upgrades; and after being the director for the first 10 years, she ministered as publication specialist under eight directors.
Over the years, Sister Donna was a faithful blood donor; it was her way of helping others in need. She was recognized by the American Red Cross when she donated her 100th unit.
Sister Donna was preceded in death by her siblings Rev. Frank, Eugene and Leon. Survivors include siblings Sister Bernice, OSF, Little Falls, and Gilbert (Kathy), Richville, nieces and nephews and her Franciscan Community.
A wake was held for Sister Donna on June 25, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 26, 2023, at St. Francis Convent.
