Sally Ann MacLeod Donovan

Sally Ann MacLeod Donovan, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully on October 22nd, 2025, at 93. Her life was defined by her joyful, adventurous spirit and deep devotion to her family and art. She now joins her beloved husband of 60 years, Daniel D. Donovan, Jr.
Born in Dedham, MA, in 1932, Sally was the only child of Veronica P. Murray and Leslie A. MacLeod. Sally grew up in Dedham and also spent seven formative years living in Puerto Rico, where her father served as Auditor General. Sally would later recount how her experience in Puerto Rico contributed to her strong interest in traveling and exploring other cultures.
A graduate of Elmhurst Academy of the Sacred Heart and Salve Regina College, Sally began her career as an art teacher before marrying Dan. Together, they raised six loving children, first in West Hartford, CT, and then, for over 45 years, in Weston, MA. While she cherished living in Weston, her favorite home was always the family beach house in Manomet, MA. There she, Dan and their children enjoyed boating as well as hosting famous parties with their cousins and friends, which created lifelong memories.
In addition to her family and friends, Sally was passionate about art and travel. A prolific painter, she exhibited her work in galleries in CT and MA. She also served as President of the Weston Garden Club, where she designed exhibits for the Museum of Fine Arts' show "Art in Bloom". Her dedication to learning about other cultures and art history inspired her to travel to Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East.
She is survived by her six children (and their spouses/partners) -- Dana (& Beverly) Donovan, Leslie (& David) Shakespeare, Gregory (& Anne) Donovan, Melissa Donovan (& Linda Lewis), Sarah Donovan (& Margarita Martin), and Rosemary Lydon (& Frank Arcese) -- and her seven cherished grandchildren (Kathryn and Laura Donovan; Gregory and Sean Donovan; and Daniel, Joseph and Veronica Lydon) – as well as her great-grandson (James Blackman).
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate care Sally received from Debbie Rogers and her team at Highland Hospice & Home Care.
Sally will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and generous heart. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Funeral services will be at Cartmell – Davis Funeral Home, 619 State Rd., Manomet, MA. cartmelldavis.com. on Tue., 10/28, from 4-7 pm. A funeral Mass will follow on Wed., 10/29, at 9:30 am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 803 State Rd., Plymouth, MA. A private burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery in Weston, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sally's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/donate.