Date of Birth:
Sunday, July 1, 1928
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Age:
97 years old

Sister LaDonna Maier

Sister LaDonna Maier, OSF 

Sister LaDonna Maier, 97, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minnesota, died at Assisi Heights on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Hildine Alma Virginia Maier (Sister LaDonna) was born on July 1, 1928, in Pierz Township, Morrison County, Minnesota, to Joseph and Ida (Mischke) Maier. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1950, received the name Sister LaDonna, and made perpetual vows in 1956.

Sister LaDonna’s nearly six decades of ministry, grounded in compassion and a deep commitment to service, took her across the country in roles spanning education, healthcare, and spiritual care. She began her ministry as an elementary school teacher, serving in Catholic schools in Watertown, South Dakota (1953–1956), Rochester, Minnesota (1956–1959), Portsmouth, Ohio (1959–1961), Delano, Minnesota (1961–1963), and Winona, Minnesota (1963–1965). After completing her degree at the College of St. Catherine, she transitioned into healthcare, working as an occupational therapist in Austin and Winona, Minnesota, and later directing the Occupational Therapy program at St. Joseph Hospital in Brainerd, Minnesota (1972–1979). Her ministry later extended to Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and Washington, where she served those experiencing homelessness, provided respite care, and participated in spiritual renewal through sabbatical and prayer ministry. She continued to offer supportive services in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, including her work with Sisters Care, Inc. (2001–2007). In 2011, Sister LaDonna retired to Assisi Heights.

Survivors of Sister LaDonna Maier include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 75 years; two sisters, Ethel Ginkel and Gloria Flint; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Hilary Maier; and two sisters, Adelia Britz and Irma Lobello.

Sister LaDonna made the gift of an anatomical bequest to Mayo Clinic. A private Memorial Liturgy will be held at Assisi Heights at 11 AM Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Burial will take place at a later date. To view the funeral, go to  www.rochesterfranciscan.org.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14^th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.