On Wednesday the 13th and Thursday, the 14th of December, funeral services were held for the newly-reposed handmaid of God, Matushka Mary Donahue.

As noted in her obituary, Matushka Mary, along with her beloved husband, Father Photius Donahue, founded St. Andrew Church in East Lansing, MI, a testament to their commitment to faith and community. Beyond this remarkable accomplishment, Matushka Mary will be most remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, having been grated 100 years of life by our Lord.

On Wednesday evening, the Feast of St. Andrew, a panihida was held for Matushka at the funeral home, after an evening of visitation. On Thursday afternoon, the funeral service was held at St. Andrew Church in East Lansing, MI, attended by many the faithful.

The funeral service for Matushka Mary was served by Priest Joshua Genig, Dean of the Central States, Priest Basil Gross, parish rector, Archpriest Andrew Moulton, son of the parish, rector of Sts. Cyril & Methody OCA Church in Granite City, IL, and Archpriest Paul Waters, son of the parish and cleric of the Central States Deanery. Several other clergy were in attendance at the funeral service.

Before the Last Kiss, Fr. Joshua brought warm greetings on behalf of the entire Russian Orthodox Church, particularly from His Grace Bishop Matthew and the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. Fr. Joshua also implored those gathered to continue to pray for Matushka Mary, especially in these 40 days following her repose. Along with Fr. Joshua’s remarks, Fr. Andrew Moulton provided a warm eulogy, reminiscing about Matushka’s many gifts and, particularly, the gift she was to so many.

Following the funeral service at St. Andrew, the clergy and faithful proceeded to the cemetery where Matushka was laid to rest next to her dear husband, Fr. Photius. May Matushka’s memory be eternal!