Jacqueline Donovan Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

New York, New York

She Kept the Party Going

At the bar that night, everyone else at the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods table was young, male and in investment banking. The interloper, merry and unintimidated, was 34, female and a temporary secretary at the firm. But with her party sparkle and give-and-take humor, Jacqueline Donovan swiftly became an honorary member of the club.

From interloper to surrogate big sister: after her job became permanent, Ms. Donovan would regularly round up the guys, confirm the place, keep that party going.

"These stories make Jackie sound like a party animal," said her father, James Donovan. "Well, she was."

Ms. Donovan made parties happen. She planned outings of six women, friends since Catholic grammar school, every two months and chauffeured them around Long Island clubs. A fearless clown, she once wore a Gumby costume so big she couldn't fit into her girlfriend's car and so just jogged next to it.

Although she could win gold in the shopping Olympics, she bought as much for her family and friends as she did for herself.

Warm and big-hearted, Ms. Donovan danced comfortably among bikers as well as bankers. At her memorial mass, the service was briefly drowned out while guys outside revved motorcycles in her honor.

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Posting Guidelines|FAQ

As the anniversary of that day starts to roll around again, the memories come back to me. I've posted on the pages of all my co-workers at KBW who I was particularly close to, and looking back at the posts it looks like Jackie was one of the first. I can still clearly remember her desk on the 89th floor, where I'd go to help her with some computer problem or something. I was a developer but our department was so small that we all also doubled as helpdesk. I always enjoyed when Jackie...

S Gardner

August 15, 2024 | Work

Jackie,

Thinking of you, especially today. You are always in my heart.
Love and miss you.

Mom

May 20, 2022

Its been over 20 years and credit to u for how u lived and how u treated those in ur life that make it so easy to never forget or misplace the memories or value of ur friendship and time on this planet. Those who never met u will never know what they missed.

Peter marketos

February 13, 2022

Miss you and still get those 9:11 nighttime hellos...and the high five. I can't believe you are gone 20 yrs. Love you to the moon and back XXOO

Kathryn Girolamo

September 15, 2021 | Elmont, NY | Friend

Remembering your bright spirit and light 20 years later. Always remembered. Rest In Peace.

Tara

September 12, 2021 | Friend

We love you and we think of you every single day !!!!!! Hope you’re having fun up there with Poppy..love lauren xoxo

September 10, 2021

Love and miss you. You are always in my heart.
Mom

Marion Donovan

September 09, 2021 | Family

Remembering Jacqueline on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...

Cindy Roe

September 08, 2021 | Galesburg, MI

Finally hope that our heartfelt condolences will be put on the site for the family. Jackie is still very sadly missed and is always remembered. May God give the support and comfort needed everyday.

January 19, 2020

Jacqueline Donovan

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