BRUNSWICK – Mary M. (Riley) Donovan, 80, of 2 Mackworth Lane, Cumberland, died Wednesday, April 2, 2008, surrounded by family, after a long courageous battle with cancer, at Mid Coast Hospital. Mary was born in 1927, in Philadelphia. She graduated from St. Hubert’s Catholic School for Girls in 1945 and went on to St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Philadelphia. Mary entered the U.S. Army as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps, where she met her future love and husband, Lt. Donald P. Donovan. They were married in February 1950 in El Paso, Texas. Donald’s job carried the family to many parts of the country, from New York to California to Maine to Florida. Along the way the family grew from two to nine with the birth of their seven children. Mary had many outside interests that allowed her to make a significant difference in the lives of others, while helping to make the world a better place. She was active within the Catholic church as a Sunday school teacher, teen advisor, Cabrini House volunteer and Eucharistic minister. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts enjoyed Mary’s enthusiasm for leadership, crafts and camping. Mary served as a nurse for Health Start, Indian Island, as well as a volunteer nurse for Hospice for 15 years in Florida. During her tenure as a member and then president of Palm Aire Women’s Club, she established a college scholarship fund. Well known for her love of life and sense of humor, Mary was often seen on St. Patrick’s Day dressed as wee a leprechaun or a giant bunny for Easter. A favorite activity was performing as a mummer for Florida West Coast Mummers in parades and shows. She and Donald traveled extensively throughout the country with many trips to Europe, Russia and Poland. They enjoyed RVing, cruises and car trips. She always spoke of her favorite trip to Alaska. She loved her time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A high point for her was always listening to and joining in on the family sing-a-longs. The family extends a heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Rick Polkinghorn, his nurses, staff, Mid Coast Hospital and Chans Hospice for the exceptional warmth and care extended to Mary and our family during this difficult time. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Donald P. Donovan. She is also survived by her children, Michael R. Donovan and his wife, Jenee, of Houston, Margaret D. Honan and her husband, Daniel, of Falmouth, Kevin Donovan and his wife, Linda, of Auburn, Martin Donovan and his wife, Karen, of Scarborough, Kathryn D. Mattison and her husband, Robert, of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Timothy Donovan and his wife, Jennifer, of Brunswick and D. Patrick Donovan and his wife, Judy, of Gorham; 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, April 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 326 Main St., Yarmouth. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yarmouth later this spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mary Donovan Charitable Remainder Trust, U.B.S., One City Center, Portland, ME 04101. The Donovan family has created a memorial of Mary’s life and it is available at www.mem.com. Please visit Mary’s memorial and share your condolences, memories and wishes with the Donovan family.
MARY DONOVAN
