Donna Rae Donovan

Donna Rae Donovan obituary, Phoenix, AZ

Donna Rae Donovan

Donna Donovan Obituary

Visit the Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Donna Rae (Petsch) Donovan passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on October 19, 1945 and raised by her parents, Roy and Ina Petsch in Phoenix, AZ. Donna graduated from Arcadia High School, attended Stevens College in Missouri where she met and married Bill Donovan and gave birth to their daughter, Suzanne Donovan Danesi. She later graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lincoln University in Missouri. Donna worked as a sales rep for Revlon International for several years, then followed a dream to become a flight attendant and later, started her own insurance agency specializing in Medicare supplements and long-term care coverage. Donna never met a stranger. Her smile and personality lit up every room she walked into and hugs and laughter were her specialty. 

Donna is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (Paul Gannon); grandchildren, Alex Danesi and Chloe Danesi; great-grandson, James Danesi; sister, Vicki Wilson (Tom); brother, Roy (Buddy) Petsch (Julie); a niece, two nephews, a great-nephew and great-niece. Donna will be extremely missed by her family and friends but the love and light she gave to the world will always be remembered. A family memorial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated. 

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

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