Elizabeth "Betty" Donovan
June 1, 1933 — October 14, 2011
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Past Services
Visitation
Mass of Christian Burial
Interment
Elizabeth "Betty" Donovan
Elizabeth, known lovingly as "Betty" was born on June 1, 1933 in Gloucester, one of five children of the late Robert Landry and Eleanor (Olson) Landry.She was raised and educated in Stoneham and Melrose and graduated from Pierce Secretarial School in Boston.In 1953, she married the love of her life, William L. Donovan.She and Bill settled in Melrose to begin 59 years of devotion, and a family of six much loved children. For several years, Betty would stay at home to raise the family of three boys and three girls.
She began a working career at age 41 for Automatic Radio in Melrose and FINEST in Somerville.She would later become the Executive Administrator to the President at Gardner, Preston and Moss in Boston and the Office Manager at the Bristol Group in Boston.
She and Bill enjoyed travelling to Bermuda, Florida and many years of camping in Vermont.A sports enthusiast, Betty was a passionate supporter of the Red Sox and looked forward to the summertime horse races in Saratoga, NY.
Betty surrounded herself with her loving family and her faith.She was a charter member of Incarnation Parish and served as the CCD secretary there for many years.In more recent time, she was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church.She loved the time she spent with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Betty was the beloved wife of William L. "Bill" Donovan with whom she shared 59 years of marriage.Devoted mother of Judith A. Wraga and her husband John M., Jr of Sharon, William L. Donovan, Jr. and his wife Taki of Cary, NC, Stephen J. Donovan of Newport, RI, Eileen M. Roman and her husband Jonathan D. of Wyckoff, NJ, Susan E. Donovan and her husband Dwayne J. Smith of Buffalo, NY, and Brian J. Donovan and his fiancé Susan Joyce of Danvers.Loving sister of Patricia O'Neil of Peabody, Barbara Landry of Washington, DC, Constance Gramstorff and her husband Richard of N. Reading, and the late Robert Landry.Dear sister-in-law of Ronald J. Donovan and his wife Judy of Naples, FL.Cherished grandmother of John M. Wraga, III, Dr. Katherine Donovan, Alexis Donovan, William L. Donovan, III, Liam Donovan, Hilary Roman, Samantha Roman, Isabella Roman, Erin Smith, Ryan Smith, Connor Smith, and Julia Smith.Also lovingly survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will honor and remember Betty's life by gathering for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, October 17 from 4-8 PM and again on Tuesday morning at 9 AM before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM.Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Gifts in Betty's memory may be made to the Melanoma Foundation of New England, 111 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Suite 1005, Concord, MA 01742.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth "Betty" Donovan, please visit our flower store.
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, October 17, 2011
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Robinson Funeral Home
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Starts at 10:00 am
St. Mary's Church
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