Obituary: Sister Donna Hortsch

A Sister for 66 years, she taught middle grades for 16 years in SNJM schools in Salem, Medford, Eugene and Portland and at the Christie School, Marylhurst.

When she left teaching, she refocused her ministry to parish work and pastoral care. Her work as Minister to the Elderly and Pastoral Associate at St. Francis Parish, Portland, had a profound effect on her. “I came out of those experiences a different woman, really became ‘myself’ there,” she said.

After St. Francis, she returned to healthcare, doing home care. She also volunteered with the NW Pilot Project, which serves downtown Portland’s low-income elderly.

A new chapter began for Sister Donna when she retired. She applied her energy to working on archeological projects in Oregon and Washington and expanding her knowledge through travel and as a volunteer for the NW Film Center. She took part in archeological digs and studies of old Forest Service camps that predated World War II and a depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that revealed a 6,000-year-old Native American migration camp stop. She also continued with some home care.

A student of the scriptures, Sister Donna remained active in pastoral activities offering workshops in Biblical studies. Among her greatest experiences in life were her travels to the lands of the Bible. She noted that she was educated by her pilgrimages following the routes of St. Paul. It was amazing, she said. When she was a child in The Dalles, Europe was the other side of the world, not a place where she thought she would ever go. Her first time in Rome, she cried at the thrill of it. She went on to say, “My study of scripture, my bond to Jesus Christ, and the people I have connected with along the way have opened doors for me that are amazing. And now I really appreciate the history I’ve come to know, from reading, archeology and my travels.”

Her final move was to Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst retirement community, Lake Oswego, where she remained active in resident life and continued with her avocation in biblical studies.

A Holy Names Sister for 66 years, Sister Donna is survived by her sister Eileen Brady of Lake Oswego, her nieces and nephews, and members of her religious community. Remembrances may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 398, Marylhurst, OR 97036 or online at www.snjmusontario.org/donate.