Mary Donarski

Mary Evelyn (Tennis) Donarski died peacefully in her sleep on April 17, 2026. Mary was born in Green Bay, WI on May 29th, 1937 to Clyde and Cecelia Tennis. Growing up in Green Bay, Mary attended St. Matthew’s Catholic School and East High School, and spent as much of her summer vacations as possible sailing in Door County.

After high school, Mary attended Marquette University, where she met the future love of her life, Dave Donarski, at a beer party. From that moment on the two only had eyes for each other! They were married at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on Nov. 27, 1958. Despite the fact it was also Thanksgiving Day AND a Packer game the church was filled with family and friends. Mary and Dave were married for 67 years.

Because Dave was in the army and pursuing a medical career the young couple moved away from Wisconsin to Washington, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. During those years they had 3 children, Sue, Therese, and Bill. When the family eventually moved back to Green Bay and settled near – you guessed it - St. Matthew’s Church and School their 4th child, Barb was born. That very year Mary and Dave bought property on Legend Lake, camped, cleared the land, and built their beloved cottage.

At the cottage Mary was finally able to sail again. She also canoed, kayaked, fished, water-skied, played badminton, Scrabble, and Solitaire, pulled wheelbarrows full of weeds out of the lake, and danced on her freshly raked beach.

When Mary wasn’t at the cottage she was in Allouez volunteering at St. Matthew’s Church and school, and in the local community. She also enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, and bowling. She loved knitting afghans, creating angels and Christmas trees out of beads, painting something or planting something. Mary liked to stay busy!

Even with all these hobbies, talents, and skills Mary’s one true passion was getting kids to love to read! She volunteered in the St. Matthew’s School library so faithfully that they eventually hired her to be the part-time school librarian, a job that filled her heart with joy! Mary loved working in the library so much that she didn’t retire until last year at age 87!

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Dave Donarski, daughter Sue Walker, daughter Therese Donarski and son-in-law Martin Henle, daughter Barb Thies and son-in-law Jeff Thies, daughter-in-law Joan Donarski, 4 grandchildren- Jake Walker (Alexis), Becky Walker, Tony Thies (Hailey), and Mateo Thies (Julia), and 4 great-grandchildren- Luke Walker, Blake Walker, Zoe Thies, and Isabella Thies. Mary was preceded in death by her son Bill Donarski, who no doubt welcomed his mom to Heaven with a pontoon ride and a Brandy Old Fashioned.

Family and friends may visit at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew St, Allouez, on Friday, April 24, from 9:30am until 10:45am. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating.

Since St. Matthew’s Catholic Church was one of Mary’s favorite places here on earth, donations to honor her life may be sent there, or to Paul’s Pantry.