Mary Donovan
July 29, 1918 ~ August 11, 2010
Mary Elizabeth MacKay Donovan, known for her gracious warmth and friendliness, died Aug. 11, 2010, at New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 16, 2010, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton with Pastor Laura Hucke of the Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour before the service at the funeral home.
Mrs. Donovan was born July 29, 1918, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Jesse MacKay and Hazel MacLarty McGillivray MacKay. She was raised in Madison, S.D., where she enjoyed swimming in two nearby lakes and the love and attention she received as the only child in three close knit families. She received her associates degree from what is now Dakota State University then went on to graduate from the University of Iowa, where she met Dano Donovan.
During World War II while Dano served with the U.S. Army in North Africa and England, Mary Beth taught in Hampton and Grundy Center, Iowa. The couple married Sept. 20, 1945, and made New Hampton their home.
She was an avid reader until macular degeneration took her vision and loved music and dancing. Her main interests included anthropology, world affairs, politics on all levels and her grandchildren.
Her activities in New Hampton included substitute teaching and serving on the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors. She also was a Girl Scout leader and taught Sunday School at The Congregational United Church of Christ, where she was a member the entire time she lived in the city. She was a 70-year member of P.E.O. and for more than 50 years belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary. Charities she supported included St. Joseph’s Indian Orphanage in Chamberlain, S.D.
Her daughters cherish the terrific parenting and love of Mary Beth and Dano.
Survivors include four daughters, Deborah Donovan (James Kane) of Oak Park, IL.; Christine (David) Stolz of Nashua; Norah (Kevin) Kennedy of New Hampton; and Elizabeth (Craig) Ebert of Sisseton, S.D.; 11 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; nephews Mark (Cristin) Donovan of New Hampton, and John (Sharon) Donovan of Cascade; and Puddy.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother William MacKay, who died in infancy; and beloved aunts and uncles: Murdock and Ernest McDonald and Emma and Donald McGillivray.
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So sorry to hear about MaryBeth. She was such a great lady! I always volunteered to deliver her clothes when she couldn’t come to the cleaners because of her failing eyesight. Always stopped after work so I would have plenty of time to stop and chat a while. She always asked how Roger’s political life was going and wanted to know all about our children and in turn told me all about how proud she was of her grandchildren and what they were up to. Hope I can be thought of in the same way she was some day – what a role model !
kevin and norah and families, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. i always enjoyed the visits that mary beth and i had when i still worked at nhnrc. i always enjoyed caring for her she was always very appreciative of everything that was done for her and was always very kind.
Our sympathy at the loss of your mother and grandmother. We met Mary Beth some years back when our kids were doing yard work as a fundraiser for the 8th grade class at St. Joes school. The kids raked her leaves in the fall. She really enjoyed the kids and we were all touched by her kindness and generocity. Such a very nice lady which really made the work seem so worthwhile. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Hi Liz. I am so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. It is so painful to loose one’s mother. I enjoyed reading her obit. She enjoyed so many things my mother did! And how Irish- maybe some Scottish? I think she covered all the Mc’s there are:) I will pray for you and your sisters. Sarah
A very special ‘LADY’ with a special place in her heart for everyone she met. She has touched so many lives here in New Hampton and where ever she has traveled. You all carry your mother and father in your hearts and through you, we are blessed again with their presence May God be with you and your families.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I am so glad I was able to know and love Mary Beth, I got to know her when I delivered her medicine to her from Tom’s Family Pharmacy and she was always so kind and caring. She would show me her cat and invite me into her home. She had a kind heart and she always had a smile on her face. I really enjoyed visiting with her in her home and on the phone. She will truly be missed. The Wilker family, Roger , Lisa, Cody, Dylon and Zachary:)
I’m sorry that I missed seeing you today. I forgot that Tubby had a dr. appt. I’ve thot of you since last night. What a wonderful family you have and how much I enjoyed seeing everyone there. You are so fortunate to have a devoted, loving family. Don’t ever forget that family comes first. And thankyou for the love that I felt when I was with you. Mary Beth Brown
Our sympathy to the family. We are traveling in Europe and saw the announcement on the internet. We will always remember Mary Beth with great fondness. Allen and LuAnn
Norah, Kevin & family, Our sympathy to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Norah and Kevin, and the rest of the Donovan family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Mary Beth was so kind with a gentle heart. When I worked at Fareway, Mary Beth was always one of my favorite customers. When she no longer was able to shop for herself, I certainly missed her smiling face. She was always friendly and shared wonderful conversation. I will cherish those memories. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Irene and Tom Frantzen
At the wake this afternoon, B and I were looking at the pictures and I heard someone behind me say ‘Honey’ in the manner all of us know and I turned around thinking (not very clearly) that it was Mary Beth. It was Debbie (tlaking on the phone to Jamie or one of the children?) and it immediately made me think of all the times in the last sixty years that Mary Beth had said that to me. Later in the day I realized that I call my wife, our children, their husbands, our foster children and other friends ‘Honey’ in the same way because I learned it from her. I only hope that I learned to give my love as generously and unconditionally as she always has. I still miss the flathead, too. When I asked, his advice was good–when I didn’t ask, it was probably good, but I wouldn’t know because i didn’t take it then.
To all the Donovan Girls, their husbands and families, So sorry for the loss of your Mother, Mary Beth. I will always remember Mary Beth and Dano welcoming me into your home whenever I needed a place to go after school. They were so kind and generous and they made me feel at home. There will always be fond memories of your parents in my heart. Peace and Prayers, Larry and Darlene
Debbie, Chris, Liz, and Norah, MaryBeth was wonderful, and I’m glad that our lives were touched so often by her kindness and good humor. Our hearts go out to you for your loss; always remember the joy she brought to life. She was extraordinary. –Nick and Lynn Anne
We were so sorry to read of the loss of your Mother. It is not easy to lose a parent no matter how old or how ill they might be. May all the wonderful memories you have of the past of happier times be forever in your hearts. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I read it in the paper today, and felt so sad. Norah, I’m so glad that we got to talk at Fareway, recently; I have been thinking about her. I didn’t know anything about her life; which I now know what made her so special. I loved that we had the same name. I never liked my name till I met your Mom. I loved coming to your home. Dano would always call us ‘A bunch of Flat Heads’. What does that mean, anyway? Deb, Chris and Liz, you were all so nice to me and I always felt at home there. I loved the house, it seemed so full of mystery; somehow, but it was so calming and serene for me. I love you all, I can’t imagine your grief, but please accept my humble sympathy for your great loss. Your friend, Buffy Brown
To Mary Beth’s family, You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mother was a substitute mother for many of us during high school. She always listened to our problems before giving out a bit of sage advice which usually turned out to be right on target. That same advice was offered to my children and their friends when they were going through the teen years. She will be sadly missed, but her great legacy will live on in all of you! God bless you during this time of grief. Wish we could be there to share your loss.
Norah and family–so sorry to hear about your mother’s recent death. I remember her beautiful smile and friendliness to all. You are in our thoughst and prayers.
To the family of Mary Beth Donovan: Please accept my condolences, as well as those of others at Third Unitarian Church of Chicago, where Ms. Donovan’s daughter Deb is a valued member. Ms. Donovan contributed much to her family and surrounding community in her ninety-two years, and her ardor for education and literacy lives on through Deb, her husband James, and their children Danielle, Joy and Charlie. -Fondly, The Reverend Brian H. Covell Minister Third Unitarian Church of Chicago President, Central Midwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
Chris: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have fond memories of your mom. She was kind, friendly, and generous. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Norah and family – so sorry to see read of your mother’s passing. It’s never easy – no matter what our age – to lose a parent. God’s love will embrace you all. Love, Jean and Tom Huegel
Kevin & Norma Family, With sympathy of caring ‘loving memories sustain us in times of sadness’ With each new tomorrow,may your memories grow sweeter as your sorrow fades away. Brenda Parks
I just heard about your mom, Norah. I am (we are) so sorry . . . . . . . We are thinking of you and reliving what’s to come for you and your family. (Exhaustion!) We will be canoeing in the Boundary Waters during the visitation/funeral. Paul’s got an appointment in Roch tomorrow, but we’ll try to stop in . . . . .
Norah, You ar in our thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories of your mom from when you lived next door to us. May you also hold all of your happy memories in your heart. Time will eventually ease the pain. God Be with you at this difficult time.
Deb, Chris, Norah, and Liz, Our heartfelt sympathy and love to you…Mary Beth, a Scottish jewel! (She made sure I knew she was Scottish and not Scotch, because Scotch is what you drink!) Just gotta love that Lady! Sadly missed but fondly remembered….always…..
Dear Sisters, I am greatly saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. She was an amazing lady – a wonderful tribute to her generation. She will be greatly missed. Much love to all you girls, who were loved so much by her. From our family to yours, may she rest in peace.
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Mary Beth was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed the years I lived next door to her. I will always remember her kind heart.
Our hearts aches for you and your family during this time. Your mother was such an amazing person and she will truly be missed.
Mary Beth was a wonderful and caring lady. We send our love and sympathy to all her family
Donovan girls – We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Beth. We have so many great memories of her. Keeping all the memories of her close to your heart will help ease your pain. Her and ‘Dano’ are finally together again. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Our love to you all.