Maria L. Donovan

MARIA L. DONOVAN Belle Plaine Maria L. Donovan, 55, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at her home surrounded by family. Maria was born Dec. 7, 1965, and adopted to Bill and Marion (Best) Donovan in Dubuque, Iowa. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School, class of 1984. Furthering her education at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, she graduated with her nursing degree in 1987. Maria spent her life caring for others through her nursing career. She started in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, before moving back to Iowa to raise her children on the Donovan family farm. Upon returning to Iowa, she worked for St. Luke's, for 27 years. During this time, Maria also worked as a nurse at the Belle Plaine Clinic and Belle Plaine Specialty Care. Maria enjoyed crafts, gardening, playing card games and was faithful in reading her bible. Most of all, she treasured spending time with family, especially her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Marisa Schilling of Anamosa, Megan Rieck of Belle Plaine and Shane (Jenna) Rieck of Shellsburg; niece, Amanda Donovan of Belle Plaine; grandchildren, Keegan and Lillian Schilling, and one baby Rieck on the way; sister, Kiki Donovan of Hiawatha; cousins, Dave and Amber Hisler of Hampton, Phillis Best of Connecticut; and great-cousins, Brandon and Carson Hisler. Maria was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Tom Donovan. Visitation is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine, with time for sharing at 3 p.m. Celebration of Life is 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, following the visitation, at the Belle Plaine, Country Club. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.