Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

John C. Burns & Sons Funeral Home

305 Broadway

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Helen Donovan Obituary

DONOVAN, Helen J. (McGrath) Of Bedford, NH, formerly of Belmont and Cambridge, November 1, 2008, age 88. Beloved wife of the late Timothy R. Donovan. Devoted mother of Timothy R. Donovan, Jr., of Arlington, Mary D. Kiernan of Bedford, NH, and Paula Donovan Olsen of Bedford, NH and the late Kevin Donovan. Loving sister of Edward J. McGrath and his wife Jane of Marshfield. Loving grandmother of Maureen Donovan Regan of Winchester, Terry Donovan of Arlington, Kathryn Kiernan of Bedford, NH, and Molly and Michaela Olsen of Bedford, NH. Funeral from the John C. Burns & Sons Funeral Home, 305 Broadway, Cambridge, Thursday, November 6 at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral mass in Sacred Heart Church, East Cambridge at 11:00 AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting 1 hour prior to funeral mass from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. A Memorial service for Helen will be held Friday, November 7, at 1:30 PM at the Bedford Presbyterian Church in Bedford, NH where Helen has enjoyed living for the past 11 years. Gold Star Mother, enjoyed winters in Pompano Beach, FL, loved her life and friends at Briston Manor, Bedford, NH and especially loved and enjoyed her children and grandchildren. Interment, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. www.burnsfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Nov. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Donovan

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Joanne Williams

November 6, 2008

To Paula and family,

I would like to express my sincere sympathy for the loss of your Mother. As traffic supervisors we had
many good times together. I know
she will be missed greatly.

Sincerely,

Joanne Williams

Helen Gannon

November 5, 2008

To The Donovan Family The McGrath Family, The Bolles Family:

I (Helen Gannon) Theresa and Frank Gannon's Daughter, would like to extend my most Sincere Condolences
on the passing of Helen, your Dear Mother and Friend of many.

I remember going to Helen's and Margaret's Mother's (Aunt Maggie) as we knew her, for lunch during attending the Sacred Heart Grammar School. Always soup and sandwich, which we were so grateful and excited to know she was my Mother's Aunt. My Mother's Mother and Helen's Father were Sister and Brother. Mary McGrath was my Mother's Mother. WOW, such memories and so many wonderful times.

Margaret Bolles was my Godmother. In fact, I think the last time I saw family was at Margaret's wake.

Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. I do remember visiting the Donovan's home, when you all lived in Belmont. Many years ago.

Regards to Edward and Jane and all the Families related in the Book of Relatives.

Most Respectful and God Bless You All,

Helen Gannon (Needham, MA)

Irene Larkin

November 5, 2008

So sorry to hear the sad news! Helen,was allways full of life & laughter, always had a joke or two. My condolences to her Family.
A friend.

Mary Jordan

November 4, 2008

Helen was always so joyful, pleasant and full of fun when we would meet at family events such as weddings, showers and anniversaries. Our deepest sympathy to her family. She will be missed. Helen's Mother and my Father were brother and sister.

JAMES C. BOYLE

November 4, 2008

HELEN DONOVAN WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON.... .MY MOTHER'S BEST LIFELONG FRIEND ( MARY A. BOYLE/CAMBRIDGE, MA/CONCORD, NH) TO THE DONOVAN FAMILY: I AM VERY SORRY TO HERE THIS NEWS ABOUT HELEN. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL ..JAMES C. BOYLE

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Helen Donovan's name

Memorial Events
for Helen Donovan

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

John C. Burns & Sons Funeral Home

305 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

How to support Helen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Helen Donovan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more