Dr. Cathy Donovan will be greatly missed

Dr. Cathy Donovan, a long- time Family Medicine Practice physician for Mille Lacs Health System, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident at approximately 4:45pm on Highway 169 outside of Onamia, MN on Monday, November 13. The Kathio Township incident is being investigated by the Mille Lacs County sheriff’s office and the Tribal Police for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Anyone who has any information should contact the Minnesota State Patrol, Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department at 320-532-3430 or the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s office at 320-983-8257.

Dr. Donovan, 56, leaves behind her two children, Shan (23) and Joy (29) and son-in-law, Benedict Behrens. She is survived by her identical twin sister, Dr. Robin Councilman (Dr. David Councilman), her parents George and Shirley Donovan and sister Christy Pemberton. Dr. Donovan joined Mille Lacs Health System in 1996 as a Family Medicine Practice physician. She quickly became well-loved at the hospital in Onamia, the nursing home and clinics in Isle and Milaca. She was a strong and compassionate leader and Family Medicine Practice physician and everyone at the health system grieves her loss today. Mille Lacs Health System is contacting patients of Dr. Donovan to offer continuity of care during this difficult time.

Dr. Cathy Ann Donovan attended Medical School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and did her residency at Spartanburg Family Practice in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was passionate about whole life care and in 2023 served as Vice Chief of Staff at Mille Lacs Health System as well as Medical Director of the Clinics. Her greatest treasures were her children and she doted on her many rescue dogs and family cats. She was actively involved in the Presbyterian Church in Wahkon, MN.

Arrangements are pending.

Important notice for Dr. Donovan’s patients (click here)