Donna Marie Harris

Went home to heaven on November 11, 2019, at the age of 76 in the care of the Zilber Family Hospice. Donna was born on May 14th, 1943, in Racine, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Mary Harris. She is survived by two brothers, John (Fran) Harris of Almond, Wisconsin, and David (Nancy) Harris of Mequon, Wisconsin; and three sisters, Alana (Ted) Ownby of San Antonio, Texas, Susan (the late Marshall) Shapiro of Madison, Wis, and Evelyn (Larry) Handler of Middleton, Wis. She had a very special and loving relationship with her many nieces and nephews, as well as grand-nieces and nephews. Donna graduated from St. Catherine’s H.S in Racine, then attended Marquette University before joining the Medical Missionary Sisters of Philadelphia, PA. Upon graduation, she went to work for Danny Thomas at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. After four years there she attended the University of San Francisco where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Nursing. Donna then received her Masters of Science degree from the University of Colorado. She then moved to Chicago and accepted a nurse practitioner position at Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke’s Medical center. She assisted in opening the first AIDS clinic in downtown Chicago. With her parents aging, Donna moved back to Racine and joined Milwaukee Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, eventually focusing on Maternal and Child health. Later she accepted a position as professor teaching graduate students at the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing in Milwaukee. Donna then helped start the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, which she still led prior to her passing. Donna wrote many articles that she received national attention for in the field of AIDS and Children’s Mental Health just to name a few. She was on the advisory board for Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daley on Infant Mortality Reduction. Then in 1999, she was honored by Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson with the Outstanding Child Health Service Award. Donna’s concern for the physical and mental health of children has influenced both the curriculum and processes of dealing with these issues. Her input and effort was a valuable contribution.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health and Medical Missionary Sisters Of Philadelphia, PA.

The family would like to thank the staff at Froedtert Hospital and nurses at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice.

Gathering will be held at Saint Matthias Parish, 9306 West Beloit Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday, November 18, 2019, 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM. Memorial Mass at 12:00 PM.