Annette Frances Wahlgreen

Annette Frances Wahlgreen, 93, passed away on Wednesday Dec. 20^th 2023 at Woodland Heights Assisted Living Facility in Little Rock. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Anna Wahlgreen, and her brother Joe Wahlgreen, Jr.

Raised on Ringo Street in Little Rock, Annette attended Our Lady of Good Counsel school and then graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in 1948. She was Valedictorian of her graduating class and was a member of the National Honor Society as well as staying active in many school activities, such as Spanish Club, English Club, Press Club, and Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was voted by her classmates as the Ideal St. Mary’s Girl, Best Leader, Most School Spirit, and Most Likely to Succeed. Annette did not disappoint.

After graduating high school Annette was the first in her family to attend college, attending St. Louis University to earn degrees in English and Spanish. She then took the vows of the Sisters of Mercy as Sister Mary Donna; in her 25 years of religious service she had several assignments around the country before returning to her Alma Mater as a teacher. She continued her career in Education at Garland County Community College, where she taught English for over 20 years and was recognized as a “Most Distinguished Educator.” She was an inspirational teacher and always led with grace.

She retired to Little Rock in 1995 and became a member of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, where she was active in many phases of parish life including the Stephen Ministry.

Annette led a rich life and enjoyed many hobbies and interests. She traveled to countries all over the world and ballroom-danced her way around the United States. When not participating in parish life, she traced her family’s genealogy, worked the polls during elections, volunteered as a Spanish language hospital and court interpreter, and read an average of one book a week.

Social, charitable, and always involved, Annette treasured every friendship she made in life. One particular group of childhood friends, “The Golden Girls,” stayed in touch and met for lunch once a month at Franke’s Cafeteria until they all got too old to drive.

Annette is survived by her nephews Michael and Theo Wahlgreen, her niece Debbie Wade, her great-nephew Billy Wade, and her great-nieces DeeAnna Wade and Rachael, Rebecca, and Caroline Wahlgreen.

The family would like to express their appreciation to everyone who helped care for Annette, especially Anne Marie Maddox, Susan Loesch, and Donna Harkins, for your unfailing love and support.

Annette spent her life continually learning, serving God, and serving others. She will be missed.