Cathy Donovan Obituary, Death – On Monday, November 13, a hit-and-run collision on Highway 169 outside Onamia, MN killed Mille Lacs Health System Family Medicine Practice physician Dr. Cathy Donovan around 4:45 pm. Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tribal Police are investigating the Kathio Township incident. If you have information, call the Minnesota State Patrol, Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department, or Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s office at 320-532-3430 or 320-983-8257.
Dr. Donovan, 56, leaves her son-in-law Benedict Behrens and daughters Shan (23) and Joy (29). Her twin sister, Dr. Robin Councilman (Dr. David Councilman), parents George and Shirley Donovan, and sister Christy Pemberton survive her.
In 1996, Mille Lacs Health System hired Family Medicine Practice physician Dr. Donovan. She became popular in the Onamia hospital, nursing home, and Isle and Milaca clinics. Everyone in the health system mourns her death as a strong and compassionate leader and Family Medicine Practice physician. Mille Lacs Health System is contacting Dr. Donovan’s patients to provide continuity of service during this difficult time.
Cathy Ann Donovan received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed her residency at Spartanburg Family Practice. In 2023, she was Mille Lacs Health System’s Vice Chief of Staff and Medical Director of Clinics, passionate about full life care. She cherished her children and countless rescue dogs and cats. She was active in Wahkon, MN Presbyterian Church. Plans are pending.
