Mary Ann Donahue "Thompson" Burns

Mary Ann (Thompson) Donahue Burns, 96, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home on Monday, February 9, 2026. The Christian Wake Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a family rosary to follow.

Mary Ann was born on the family farm near Winfred, SD on April 5, 1929, to Alfred and Nellie Thompson. She graduated from St. Agatha High School and went on to work for a chiropractor in Sioux Falls. Mary Ann married Francis Donahue on February 2, 1949. They made their home on a farm near Baltic, SD where together they raised 15 children in a home filled with love and laughter. Francis died July 28, 1990. Mary Ann was later reacquainted with an old schoolmate, Kenny Burns, and they were married in 1995. Kenny died September 29, 1999.

Mary Ann spent her life devoted to her family. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known for her kindness, strength, generosity, selflessness, and for the way she made everyone feel welcome and cared for.

Mary Ann was deeply rooted in her faith. It was the foundation of her life, guiding her and the way she loved others. She was a devoted member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church for many years and was also a member of the Altar Society. Mary Ann found joy in gardening, reading, cooking, and working with her flowers (especially her cactuses). She also enjoyed being part of the Red Hat Ladies group. Her presence brought comfort and warmth to those around her. Her laughter and love will be remembered always.

Mary Ann is survived by nine of her children; Mary (Jim) Harmon of Pierre, SD, Judy (Dirk) Pearson of Hendricks, MN, Richard Donahue of Rutland, SD, Betty (Gary) Weber of Chester, SD, Kathy (Ken) Goodale of Chester, SD, Theresa (Monte) Burggraff of Sioux Falls, SD, Dorothy (James) Blauwet of Larchwood, IA, Michael (Sandra) Donahue of Sioux Falls, SD, and John (Shelly) Donahue of Baltic SD; 37 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. A total of 127 offspring for those counting! She will be greatly missed by all of her loved ones.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her four siblings, six children (Jerry, David, Jimmy, Joan, Bob and Patty), and her husbands, Francis Donahue and Kenny Burns.