Helen Donovan Obituary
Born, raised and educated in Boston, Mrs. Donovan was a graduate of Jamaica Plain High School and Burdett College in Boston.
A longtime resident of West Roxbury, Mrs. Donovan moved to West Yarmouth in 1978. She enjoyed spending time with her large family and many friends.
Mrs. Donovan is survived by a son, John J. Donovan Jr. of Sudbury; six daughters, Marilyn Timbers of New Canaan, Conn., Barbara Mills of Stoughton, Claire Bizier of Hanson, Rita Doyle of Seal Harbor, Maine, Patricia Bates of Whitman and Marie Fletcher of West Yarmouth; a loving sister, Rita McGaffigan of Plymouth; 22 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, James J. Cronin.
Funeral services will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, Station Avenue, South Yarmouth.
Interment will follow in Chandler Gray Cemetery, West Yarmouth.
Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 30, in the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.
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Margaret E Flagg
June 23, 2022
Helen lives in my heart for the enormous love which she showed for so many, including myself.
She was and is a blessing.
Margaret Flagg
June 23, 2020
I would say the same thing I said last year and add that that love like hers is so needed now in this time of division and disease.
Margaret Flagg
June 23, 2019
The love she gave will never be forgotten. We have been blessed.
Patty Bates
July 26, 2008
"You're Beautiful, so beautiful"
I miss you so much. Take care of my Johnny.
I love you Mommy,
your daughter,
Patty
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Cecile Wend
July 11, 2008
I will cherish the memory of last summer's afternoon together talking and eating crackers and cheese. I feel so thankful that I have been able to spend time with you at your home. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Marie and your family at this time.
Daniel Donovan
July 9, 2008
Gram, I love and miss you everyday! Hugs and Kisses XXOO
Dan
Marie Fletcher
July 5, 2008
Mom,
I think of you every day.
You always said, "Have a good cry, but don't dwell on the sadness.
You were all good kids and I want you to have happy memories."
I love you forever,
your daughter Marie
Claire Bizier
July 3, 2008
Mom, I'm missing you. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Our family will continue to make memories to cherish and pass on to the children. Take care of our Suzanne. Love you, your daughter Claire
Donna Henderson
July 3, 2008
Claire's friend
Barbara Mills
July 3, 2008
Mom, you will always be in my heart! All the memories I have because of you will help me continue through the years without you. Now, I will pass my memories to my little ones and make new memories so they can learn how to live through stories. All my love forever! Your daughter, Barbara
Margaret & Jeff Flagg
June 30, 2008
Rarely in our lives does a light shine so brilliantly yet gently as was that of Helen Donovan. It will illuminate our hearts and remain forever with us as the surety that amidst the darkness which abounds in life there is a higher ground for us all—the one which she tread for 95 years—the one of love of family and of the extensive circle who knew her as friend. She gave this love to so many of us who were its beneficiaries. It was as unconditional as earthly love can get—it was that of a mother who understood those whom she loved, provided wise counsel when she felt it could be helpful and reveled in our presence just the way we were.
Arthur McDevitt
June 29, 2008
Claire:
My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Art McDevitt
St. Theresa's '61
Kate Timbers xoxo
June 29, 2008
Even though we will no longer feel the warmth of your kindness and the gentleness of your touch; even though we will no longer sit by your side as you share with us your extraordinary life stories; even though we will no longer shake our heads in amazement as you soundly defeat us in Scrabble or polish off a Sunday crossword puzzle in the blink of an eye; even though we will no longer find you waiting for us with a bright smile and opened arms in your sunny front kitchen when we arrive on Cape Cod; even though we will no longer see you again, dear Grammy, we will always and forever keep you -and all our memories of you- deep within our (broken) hearts. With all my love ...
Robin Rivers
June 29, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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