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Julie Donovan Obituary
Julie A Donovan, nee' Ruonavaara 79, died peacefully on Dec. 31, 2020 at her winter home in Casa Grande Arizona, after coping with aphasia dementia (word-finding dementia) for several years. Her loving husband, children and grandchildren were at her side.
Julie was born on Jan. 31, 1941, in Lansing, a daughter of Norum Altric and Rena (Myers) Ruonavaara, who preceded her in death. She had a warm personality that endeared her to many people. She graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing and Central Michigan University where she earned a BA in speech and language pathology and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She taught speech and language in public schools for over 30 years in Michigan and California. She also completed a master's degree at Wayne State University.
On Dec. 26, 1964, she married John Donovan, and they enjoyed 56 wonderful years together. She was preceded in death by a sister, Joanie Marie Haut. Surviving are her husband; a brother, Jerry Ruonavaara of Texas; daughter Rena Dombrowski of Nevada; son, Timothy Donovan of Traverse City and three grandchildren.
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