Donna Mae Daems

The Beggar of Bozeman has passed away, so all Bozemanites can now know their wallets are safe!

Donna Mae Daems, 90, of Bozeman, Montana, passed away Sunday enveloped in the care and devotion of her three daughters: Cathy, Carol, and Jean. Donna was born on Feb. 20, 1927 in Plentywood, Montana, to parents Arthur and Marian Hunter. At an early age, Donna's family briefly returned to North Dakota (the place where her mother Marian was raised) and it was here that Donna's early participation in the Catholic church blossomed. At the age of 6, Donna was baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bismarck, North Dakota, followed by her confirmation three years later.

However, the foundation of Donna's Catholic education began with Holy Rosary Catholic schools located in Bozeman, Montana where she met Thomas Eugene Daems. She attended Holy Rosary school through her successful graduation from high school in 1945. Following graduation, Donna briefly attended Montana State College, studying the arts. On Sept. 17, 1949, Donna and Thomas were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Bozeman, Montana.

Together, Donna and Thomas started their family while living in Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. On Sept. 29, 1955 Capt. Thomas Eugene Daems was killed in an airplane accident at Nellis Air Force Base one week after they found out they were expecting their third child. Donna moved back to Bozeman to raise her children around family. To help support her growing family, Donna worked throughout Bozeman. From the Bozeman Chronicle to Farmers Insurance, as well as Dr. Epler's office and William Grabow Architecture, Donna eventually landed as the Water Clerk for the City of Bozeman. Tireless in her efforts, Donna's love for the Catholic Church was no exception. She received acclamations and awards for her service and commitment. Donna was awarded National Fraternalist of the Year, National Catholic Society of Foresters, Holy Rosary Court 1036 – N.C.S.F., Forester of Year – Mother of the Year, Citation National Fraternal Congress, and from the state of Montana in 2007 the Alexander J. Brunett Medal for Social Justice. Donna was a member of many professional organizations throughout the Bozeman community as well, always lending support whenever necessary. She will always be remembered for her devotion to her church and the Foresters.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband Capt. Thomas Daems, as well as her parents Arthur and Marian Catherine. She is survived by her daughters Mary Catherine (Gary) Breed of Norfolk, Virginia, Carol (Gregg) Townsend of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Jean (Michael) Koezler of Bozeman, Montana; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

To sum up Donna's 90 years on the planet, her daughter Carol came up with one word: courage. She lived a tough life as a very young child, a loving life raised by her wonderful Grandma "Kate" Maney, and a full but challenging life raising three daughters without a husband to rely on. That took courage!

A Rosary will be held 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Tribute Center followed by a Vigil Service to begin at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Donations may be made in Donna's honor to Holy Rosary Catholic Church located in Bozeman, MT. Her urn will be laid to rest with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later time. Condolences and memories may be shared with Donna's family at www.dahlcares.com.