Marie Elizabeth ‘Muffy’ Donaldson, age 69, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 22, 2023, surrounded by family and her precious dog Sophie. Born August 6, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Muffy was the fifth child of Albert S. and Muriel L. Ganje. Preceded in death by her husband Delane G. Donaldson, parents, Albert and Muriel Ganje, siblings, three infants. Survived by her son, Mark R. Ganje (fiancée Karmelia), siblings, Terry Washburn (Carol), Sharon Daniels (Kermit), Leanne Shepherd, Becky Mengelkoch (Greg), Kevin Ganje (Diane), Jim Ganje, Michael Ganje (Linda), nephew Tony Behm, nieces Shana Bestel (Justin), Lindsey Kobow (Josh), Corina Ganje, and several other nieces and nephews, granddaughters Ashley Donaldson, Alyssa Donaldson, and Cyerra Donaldson, and many cousins and dear friends.
Muffy grew up in Plymouth, graduated from Hopkins Lindbergh High School in 1971 and lived out her life in the Twin Cities area. She attended school to become a nurse’s aide and worked in various medical clinics before taking a position as an aide at St. Therese Nursing Home in New Hope, and then moved into administrative duties in the business office. She switched careers in the 90’s going back to school to become a drafter. She worked as a mechanical drafter for various companies and was very passionate about drafting work. While working at St. Therese Muffy met the love of her life, Del Donaldson. They married in 1989 and shared a wonderful life together for 27 years before Del’s passing in 2016. Muffy was a devoted and loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She delighted in the accomplishments of her nieces, nephews, and granddaughters. She was a great cook, creative, crafty, artsy, funny, lighthearted, and found humor in the day-to-day silly things that life brings our way. She was an avid animal lover – especially dogs and horses - and spoiled all her pets to the point of no return. She held a strong belief of equality and justice for all and fought on behalf of family and friends when and where she could. She made an impact on the lives of many.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank all the North Memorial ICU medical staff for the loving, compassionate care you provided ‘Queen” Muffy. We also want to thank the hospital chaplains for their pastoral counsel, which provided much peace and comfort to Muffy and the family.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Plymouth Towne Square Apartments community room, 15500 37th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55446. Private family interment Monday, August 7, 2023, 9:30 a.m. Fort Snelling Cemetery.
