Donna Jeanne McBrian

Donna Jeanne McBrian was born in NE Minneapolis to Harold and Bernice Benson on August 5, 1932. She was described as a very quizzical and energetic little girl. Very early on she started with her love of dolls and doll collecting. Donna attended Sheridan Jr. High and Edison High School graduating in 1950. At Northwestern College, she graduated cum laude with a BA in Elementary Education in 1956. In 1957, Donna married Gordon McBrian and was later divorced. She earned her Master's Degree in Education from Macalester College in 1962. From 1976-1977, she served as the president of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English. In 1981, Donna was married to Keith Dawson. Also in 1981, she earned an additional degree as an Educational Specialist from St. Thomas. Donna taught twenty-two years in the St. Louis Park District; for sixteen of those years, she worked as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator. In 1970 Donna attended the World Baptist Alliance in Japan. Her travels sparked a love for Japanese art and culture and travel in general. Donna and Keith traveled most of the world from South America to Eurasia. Donna also accompanied Keith on many fishing and hunting trips in the northern United States and Canada. In 2006, Donna suffered a great loss when her son, Gerrell, passed away from complications with Ehlers-Danlos. Donna was an avid reader, interested in politics, and loved the Lord Jesus. As for reading, her house her house contained many great books. Always, at every holiday, we had many discussions on the latest books to read. Politics, another great interest of hers, was also a topic at family gatherings. She particularly loved to talk with Kirk about politics as he had served as a state representative in MN. Finally, it was evident Donna loved the Lord. She attended Elim Baptist (Mill City Church) when a child and GracePoint Church as an adult. Even in Rochester, she continued to attend church at Autumn Ridge. She shared these interests with wit and passion. At church and in school Donna was involved with various choirs. She retained her lovely, high soprano voice even into her 90th year! Her last year and a half were spent at The Waters in Rochester, MN where she developed an additional group of loving friends. She is survived by Lisa McBrian (Gerrell's wife), Tom and Charles Dawson, Mary Clare (Dawson) Kalamafoni, Nola (John) Aderton, and Wendy (Kirk) Stensrud as well as many great nieces and nephews. Memorial gifts may be sent to Legacy Thrift (4713 36th Ave. N Crystal, MN 55422). This is the store formally called the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store. Donna loved to serve in this completely volunteer organization. Donna entered Heaven's Gates on June 20th after a bad fall. She will be greatly missed by those remaining, but we are sure she is reveling in the presence of our Lord and her loved ones who have gone before. A Celebration of Life ceremony is planned for her on July 31st at GracePoint Church in New Brighton. Visitation will start at 10 AM. The service will be held at 11:00 and followed by lunch. Please join us if you are able.

Tributes

Donna Jeanne McBrian

August 5, 1932 - June 20, 2023

Tributes

Donna Jeanne McBrian

August 5, 1932 - June 20, 2023

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