Martha Fitch Donovan
1953 - 2020
Martha Fitch Donovan
1953 - 2020
Obituary
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Martha Donovan Obituary
She graduated from Hamden High School and obtained a Bachelor's of Arts in English from Wilmington College and a Master's of Science in Nursing from Yale. She began her health care career as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and continued on to provide nursing services for adults with developmental disabilities in several non-profit agencies. At the end of her career she was working as an Administrator for the ST of CT Department of Developmental Services.
Marty is predeceased by her parents Annette and Ted Donovan. She is survived by her wife and partner of 29 years, Angela Swanger, daughter Katherine Swanger and sons Derek (Bulong Ramiz-Hall) Hall and David Foreman. She is also survived by her siblings: Mark (Dianne) Donovan, Ann (David) Cote, Rachel (David Zevin) Donovan, Emily (Mark) Patton, Naomi Donovan, Greta (Frank) Kuhns, Deb (Rob) Orris, and Christopher (Sue Nofi) Donovan.
And too many cherished nieces and nephews to name, to whom she was dedicated to from the time of their births. The list of extended family and friends, that survive her are also very numerous. She will be greatly missed for her warm smile and determined spirit to live a meaningful life, giving to others at every turn.
Due to COVID-19, traditional services will not take place immediately. In substitution there will be a private service for immediate and extended family, as well as a memorial service to occur at a later date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to Moral Monday CT in Martha's name at MoralMondayCT.org website or to her granddaughter's, Kimaya, college/life fund by sending checks to UBIFCU 40A Chamberlain Highway, Kensington, CT 06037 made out to Angela Swanger with a note for "Kimaya's Fund".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Amy M. Blaze
July 6, 2023
Another year has passed since you have moved to a higher place. You will always be remembered Marty. Your work, teaching, and presence lives on and makes us each so grateful to have known you. -Blaze
Kim donnell jackson
July 24, 2021
I just learned of Marty's passing. She was and now an angel above watching out for all she loved. Angie my heart n soul are with you love kim
Joaner
July 6, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through another year of grief and loneliness.
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Soheila D Wheeler
July 18, 2020
I am deeply saddened by the news of Martys passing. This is a big loss for all who knew her, worked with her & loved her. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Ted&Christine
July 16, 2020
When we first moved next door to Marty and Angie, they welcomed us within the first couple of hours. Then quickly, Marty tried to find friends for our 13 year old son to connect with. They made sure we felt welcomed in our neighborhood, and continued to extend themselves when our daughter was born by sharing wisdom, Katie's very cool toys, dance costumes, a gently used playscape, and extra tomatoes from their garden. Over the years, we became wrapped up in our hectic schedules, but we always felt at home when we heard the echo of Marty's laughter on the back deck, or NPR playing as she worked in her gardens on weekend mornings. We miss those sounds, and the warm, welcoming spirit she exuded. God Bless you and your family, Angie. We wish you peace, love, and the comfort of your cherished memories.
Ted & Christine
Bernice King
July 16, 2020
Martha was a GREAT LADY !!I will always remember her kind soul, She was a good listener. Marty cared for the folks she served. Marty was a hard worker and appreciated everyone who worked with her. Marty will be missed by many folks here.
Hope Russo
July 14, 2020
So sad to hear of Marty's passing. It was a pleasure to have known her and to have had the chance to work with her. Condolences to her friends & family.
Decymbia Fletcher
July 14, 2020
I remember when you advocated and supported Day Program staff as we went through tough transitional moments. You always gave encouraging words of wisdom with a smile, your beautiful aura made everyone happy. You will be sorely missed.
Douglas Peary
July 13, 2020
I did not know her but I know Angie who is a power house Socially active person wit a sweet personality. I am so sorry for your loss Angie.
Nancy J Burton
July 13, 2020
You will be remembered for your smile and for all you did to help others, including many who were among those needing the most help and support. Thank you for your life.
Amy Blaze
July 13, 2020
For all your wisdom, heartfelt advice, and willingness to assist in times when I just didn't know what to do, or how to do it....Thank you Marty, you will live in our hearts forever. -Blaze
Anne Coombs
July 12, 2020
To Marty's Family - Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers through this difficult time. Marty was one of the most beautiful people I had ever met, and I feel very lucky that I was able to know her through our working together at DDS. Her door was always open to anyone who wanted to talk, and she gave SO much of herself to others. She will be missed more than words can say.
Robert Carbone
July 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss Chris and family. Have great memories of Marty from New Haven CCC. She trained me in the Main Control Center. She helped a great deal in the start of my career in Corrections. What a wonderful person, may she RIP.
Debbie
July 12, 2020
Loved her spirit , her funny stories , but mostly she was a decent person that had this ability to show us the other side of a situation during our i services . Teaching was important to her , she was reasonable and what a great laugh . So sorry for her and her family . My sympathy and condolences.
Carol Crisci
July 12, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Martys passing, She worked with me a DDN Consulting for many years, She was a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful person. She will be missed! My heart goes out to Angie and her daughter
Carol Crisci
Cathy Day
July 12, 2020
Thank-you Marty and Angie for being there for me.
The great memories at Ted and Annettes house just another kid hanging around New Haven Friends meeting
Pati Dawes
July 12, 2020
"There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, their light remains." Unknown
Ingrid Hanka
July 12, 2020
I am heartbroken to read this. I just chatted with her a month and a half ago, determined to finally get together this summer and catch up. She was my supervisor, my teacher, and my inspiration to be the best nurse and person possible. She lead all of us with her confident and strong spirit, layered heavily with compassion and kindness. She was trustworthy, funny, and most of all kind. Marty always did the right thing, for the right reason. I never met a single person at DDS who didnt have a great deal of respect for her, well earned. My condolences to the family. Please know how loved she still is and how much shell be missed. Ingrid Hanka and family.
Joaner
July 11, 2020
In loving memory of Marty, a wonderful person. We will miss you always.
Kelly Steele
July 11, 2020
Marty taught me to be bold and that my voice was important, that what I had to say had value. She made everyone she came across feel special and heard...a great gift in this world. She was not afraid to think or do anything that was outside the box to help others...As a clinician in a tough field, I felt so inspired by that. Her passion for what was right and just was infectious and I am a better person having known her. I am a stronger therapist, advocate, and human because of her. I am so deeply sad that she is gone. I am so grateful...so honored to have known her. She was pure light.
Leslie M. Santiago
July 11, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Martha's passing. Thinking of Derek Hall and his family in particular. Kimaya's fund is a beautiful remembrance of your Marty.
Wanda
July 11, 2020
I will forever miss her generous spirit.
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