Theresa Karen Donovan

Milford- On November 07, 2024, Theresa “Karen” Donovan passed away at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on September 12, 1971 and attended Holy Cross Elementary School and later graduated from Milford Senior High in 1989 and Delaware Tech in 1991. She started a career with the State of Delaware during high school where she worked four summers at Cape Henlopen State Park as a fee collector and assistant secretary and then gained full time employment with the State at the Delaware State Archives for 16 years in various positions before leaving that job to stay at home with her children. After her youngest started school, she reentered the work force at the Delaware Health and Social Services at the Division of Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities in Milford as an Administrative Assistant, where she eventually retired after 30 years of service. After retirement she loved volunteering and seeing people at the Mail Center in Milford which is owned by close personal friends.

She married the love of her life, Robert Donovan III, in May of 1999. They raised three children, Sierra, Victoria, and Jacob. Karen loved spending time with her family – going to festivals and shopping, volunteering at her children’s school events, lounging by the pool and playing badminton (she liked to call herself the “Badminton Champion of the World!”). She enjoyed antiquing and was an avid collector of Longaberger baskets and pink antique glass – all of which she proudly displayed in the family’s home. She also enjoyed playing board games with the friends and family and loved having parties with them including her family Easter Egg Hunt that grew bigger every year!

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Robert W. Donovan III. Their children Sierra (Brian) Yerger, Victoria Donovan and R. Jacob Donovan. She is also survived by her perfect grandchildren - Rory and Colt Yerger, and soon to be granddaughter, Sophia Slaughter, whom she adored. She is also survived by her mother Patricia L. Ferrier and her in laws Robert and Carolyn Donovan II and her brother Kevin, sister-in-law Jessie and three nephews, Zach, Dylan, and Blake. Karen is also survived by two cherished, life-long friends, Alison Maslij and Kellei Wells. She was preceded in death by her father, Cpl. Robert F. Ferrier.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12PM on Thursday 11/14 at Rogers Hovatter Funeral Home. Visitation will start at 10AM.