Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ellen M. Donovan
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Ellen Donovan Obituary
Bow, NH - Ellen Mary (Hickey) Donovan, lovingly known as "Nan" and "Lena," 80, of Bow, NH, Boothbay, ME, and Chelmsford, MA, passed away peacefully after a brief illness.
Born in County Tipperary, Ireland, Ellen was the beloved daughter of David and Catherine Hickey, and the loving sister of Thomas, Bridget (Carroll), and Maureen (O'Doherty). At the age of fourteen, she left her rural country farm and close-knit family to begin a new life in New York City. There, she lived with her uncle and aunt, and her sister Bridget, who had previously immigrated. Brave and determined, she embraced her new home and built a rich and loving life with her husband, Robert A. Donovan, whom she met in New York City.
Ellen is survived by her devoted husband, Robert; her son, Kevin, and his wife, Laura; and her four cherished grandchildren, Liam, Reilly, Jack, and Conor. She also leaves behind her sisters Bridget and Maureen, her loving sisters-in-law including, Eileen Hickey and Elaine Worden, and many other dear in-laws and extended family in the United States and in Ireland, where she returned as often as she could to stay connected with her roots. She was predeceased by her daughter, Mary Frances, and her brother, Thomas.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, Ellen was known for her generosity, subtle humor, and unwavering loyalty. She went out of her way to help others and always sought to bring joy to those around her. Ellen cherished time with family, took great delight in winning games of Left-Center-Right, and embraced her Irish heritage with pride. Her good nature, boundless kindness, and strong Irish spirit will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
A funeral will be held at Christ the King Parish in Concord, NH at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with a private reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary by calling 978.323.7097 or online at tuftsmedicine.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bennett Funeral Home, Concord NH.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Ellen Donovan
Funeral services provided by:
Bennett Funeral Home - Concord209 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301-5048
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Donovan
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Ellen Donovan's name
How to support Ellen'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Ellen 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
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
