Donors of Distinction: Lawrence Donahue

Born on February 8, 1911, Lawrence Donahue was raised and educated in Ferry Township, North Dakota.  A quiet and humble man, he learned the values of hard work, simple living and the love of horses while farming for most of his life.  After corresponding with Rose Greer for some time, they met, courted and married on September 9, 1958.  They moved to East Grand Forks in 1963 where their children, Margaret (Genereaux) Dunphy ‘67 and Kevin ‘77 attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School.  

Lawrence and Rose settled on a piece of land south of East Grand Forks where they retired and tended their land, planted a shelter belt, raised their children and participated in community events.  Unfortunately, Rose passed away in 1985.  Despite her untimely passing, Lawrence continued to tend his property, attend Mass frequently, and participate in church and community events – especially if there was a dance involved.  



After the Flood of 1997, Lawrence was approached by Keith Driscoll, from the Sacred Heart Parish, about its financial situation.  Without a “hard sell,” Lawrence entered into a “remaining interest,” donation of his property to Sacred Heart upon his passing.  This contribution in 1998 not only helped Monsignor McGee get a good night’s sleep, but it also was the genesis of the Donahue Endowment which endures as a testament to Mr. Donahue’s faithfulness to his church, his school, and his community.

Three Ways to Support Sacred Heart Students

1. Give to the Memorial Scholarship: A one time amount (below $5,000) can be gifted to the Memorial Scholarship fund in honor of an individual.
2. Contribute/start a Named Scholarship: A scholarship with a principle amount of $5,000 in an endowed fund can be dispersed on a yearly basis according to the criteria guidelines set forth by the donor. Establishing individuals will receive a notification each year indicating the fund balance and a thank you letter from the student awarded the scholarship.
3. Contribute/start an Endowment: New endowments require a minimum contribution of $5,000, or donors may contribute to one of the existing named endowments. These endowments distribute 4% of the growth in that endowment each year for the purpose(s) for which the endowment was created.

Give online at www.sacredheartegf.net/give or contact Dennis P. DeMers, Foundation Director 218-773-0877 or [email protected]