Donna Marie Price

Donna Marie Price

Age 79, of Apple Valley, MN, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on November 11, 2022, after a six-year fight with breast cancer. Her deep faith strengthened her and carried her through this journey.

Donna was born on April 8, 1943, to Onufry and Mary (Lucachick) Diachok in Rauch, MN, a small Eastern European farming community in Northern Minnesota. Their Russian Orthodox beliefs and culture was important to Donna. She passed on many traditions to her family, including: Russian Christmas, words / phrases / drinking songs in Russian, and a house full of matryoshka nesting dolls.

She was the youngest of six children, by thirteen years, and by all accounts, was "spoiled" (meaning she had running water and extra help on the farm). After graduating from Orr High School, she made immediate plans to move to "The Cities" to attend the University of Minnesota to train as a radiologic technologist. Wearing a tan suit, matching peach hat / shoes / handbag, white gloves, and stylish cat-eye glasses - she left the farm and vowed never to move back.

Donna met Darwin Price at an Orr class reunion. He was a quiet guy with a quick smile and, importantly – was a great dancer. They were married on August 8,1964, in the Silverdale Hall in Greeny, MN, followed by the party of the summer! Donna and Dar bought a house in Richfield, MN, where they soon filled the yard with beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, made many neighborhood friends, joined House of Prayer Lutheran Church, and welcomed their two daughters Cara and Jill, into the world. Donna worked at several medical clinics as an X-Ray Tech throughout her 40+ year career, ultimately focusing on mammography and breast cancer prevention.

Family and friendships were central to Donna’s life. Her love and dedication to her daughters and their families was unmatched. She was an “Auntie” to so many and her list of friends is long. She was always there for birthdays and holidays, but more importantly – everyday joys and struggles. She was a confidant, an encourager, someone who would tell it like it is, and would be there to love and support regardless of the circumstances. Donna was a welcomer – she wanted to make sure friends and newcomers alike felt included and valued; whether it be at the doors of House of Prayer as a Sunday morning greeter, at her dining room table, or by sharing a batch of freshly baked cookies or bars (because food is love!). Even though she will not be physically here with us – we will no doubt hear her voice when we make Christmas pitaha (pierogi), tend our flowers, show kindness to a stranger, or change the sheets on our beds. We love you Mom and Grandma; and miss you already.

Donna is survived by her daughters Cara (Scott) Wright and Jill (Erik) Therien; grandchildren Chloe Wright (Sam Koshiol), Caity Wright, Sydney Therien, and Jake Therien; many loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Darwin, parents, and siblings.