Donna Mae Harris of Sioux Falls, SD, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped her story.
Some bonds are not loosened by absence.
Donna Mae "Alatalo" Harris
SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA - Donna was born to Herman Alatalo & Mildred nee Perrow Alatalo on March 22nd, 1943 in Baraga, Michigan. She died on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Donna Mae Harris, 83, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026 under the compassionate care of hospice at Ava's House.
Donna married Norman Harris in 1962 in Houghton and divorced in 1976 and later moved from Toivola, Michigan to Grand Rapids, Michigan and resided there until 2024 and then moved to South Dakota to be closer to family prior to her passing.
She is survived by her four children; daughter, Constance & "Michael" Carnes of Baltimore, Maryland; son, David & "Karen" Harris of Tapiola, Michigan; daughter, Becky & "John" Desens of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and daughter Amy Divine of Flowood, Mississippi. Nephew Guy Lee Jordan of Milwaukee, WI. Also 13 grandchildren, Katie "Jason" Tormala, Shari "Bruce" Portnoff; Jacob Keranen, Ashley Schnitker; Tia "Robert" Stenger; Rebecca Desens and "Alex"; Justin "Abbigayle" Desens; Joshua Harris, Amber Feiock, Andy "Kori" Divine Jr., Justina "Sissy" Divine, Daisy Mae Nelson & Rachel Shoap; & 15 great grandchildren.
Donna was preceded by death by her mother and father, as well as her stepfather Robert Heikkinen, sister Jean Marie Jordan and granddaughter Cami Rose Harris.
Donna attended the following schools and graduated with her GED from Jeffers High School in Painesdale, Michigan. She went on to further her education at Suomi College in Hancock graduating with double Associate's degrees: Specializing in Substance Abuse Counseling. She was the Director of Willow Hall and did counseling at Camp Kitwen in Painesdale, MI.
Her passions were painting, writing, reading, crafting, plants and her pets.
Growing up and living in the Copper Country was her favorite place to be. Especially Agate Beach and Calumet Waterworks where she would find a lot of her inspiration for her paintings. Rural living also inspired her landscapes. Donna loved picking agates and spent countless hours doing that before moving to Grand Rapids.
She lived in the Grand Rapids area for about 30 years and loved the public library where she obtained and bought several books. Her longtime love of Blues and especially Jazz music was always playing. She surrounded herself with family and friends and loved taking long walks.
In Donna's last two years, she lived in South Dakota near her daughter Becky & son in law John and then eventually was in comfort care at Ava's house in Sioux Falls where the staff was thoughtful, kind and very intuitive to what Mom's needs were.
She missed her home in the Copper Country and so therefore, she will have her ashes spread in Lake Superior. This service will be announced at a later date if any friends and family would like to attend. There will be no formal service.
Donna will be missed immensely by her family and in her final wishes, in lieu of flowers, requests to have any donations made to Wounded Warriors in honor of her step father, Robert Heikkinen or to any agency that assists animals such as the Humane Society.
Cards may be sent to Becky & John Desens, Sioux Falls SD. Amy Divine, Flowood, MS; David & Karen Harris, Tapiola, MI or Connie & Mike Carnes, Baltimore, MD
Please contact any family member to obtain addresses.
