Obituary: Laurie Elizabeth Donohue

April 11, 1956 – February 12, 2024

Laurie Elizabeth (Christianson) Donohue of Chanhassen, Minnesota died on February 12 at the age of 67 after a 5-year battle with ovarian cancer. Laurie’s love of life will live on through her friends and family.

On April 11, 1956, Laurie was born in Green Bay, WI to Roland and Mary Christianson. She grew up in Sturgeon Bay, WI on the Door County Peninsula.

Laurie earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of MN in Outdoor Education. Love of nature and outdoor activities were a guiding force in her life. In her early 20s Laurie became involved in the technology industry and had a very successful career, she retired in 2018 after her cancer diagnosis.

In 1982 Laurie met Jay Donohue, that started a wonderful partnership that lasted for over 40 years. The love of the outdoors and their son Connor was a strong bond in their lives. “Jay kept the car running but Laurie drove”.

Laurie loved Nordic Skiing and competed in over 20 American Birkebeiner races, several Vasaloppet’s and other Nordic races throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. She consistently finished in the top ten women in her age group. Lauire also enjoyed training for and running marathons, she competed in New York, Chicago, Washington D.C. and several other races. She also competed in several in-line skate marathons throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin again constantly finishing near the top of her age group.

Laurie was also a sailor and co-owned a sailboat on Lake Michigan, she enjoyed time on her road bike, her mountain bike, camping and hiking around the world. The outdoors will miss her!

Laurie was an influencer before it became a trend. Her ability to collect friends throughout life knew no bounds.

Laurie is survived by her husband Jay, son Connor, his wife Molly, four sisters, two brothers, lots of nieces and nephews, and a host of friends from around the world.

A celebration of Laurie’s life will be held at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, on Saturday, April 20, 3 to 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Laurie to Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance. (MOCA). https://mnovarian.org or MOCA 4604 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis MN, 55407.