Mrs. Maureen (Morrissey) Donovan 79, beloved wife of William Donovan, died November 18, 2014 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Lawrence, Ma – she was the daughter of the late Mary G. (Collins) & Thomas F. Morrissey. She was raised and educated in Lawrence.
Leaving Lawrence in 1951, Maureen and her family then moved to Methuen where she was a resident for the remainder of her life. She had been employed by the Town of Methuen for 34 years as the Coordinator for the Meals on Wheels Nutrition Program. Where she also assisted the Elderly in any way she could. Always working behind the scenes to help those in need. She was a Councilor in the Town from 1988-1994. She served 3 consecutive terms. President of Citizens Against an Unsafe Society. Tirelessly worked to ban furloughs for first degree murderers. She was instrumental in removing the traffic rotary at the 5 corners in the center of town. Which was dedicated to her in 2011. There is a plaque displayed there with her name.
Maureen was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was totally dedicated to her family.
She loved people and having a good time. She was the life of the party – loved to dance and was an avid reader. Maureen loved to travel to Ireland, she visited the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and played the slot machines at Foxwoods on occasion. However, her favorite vacation spot was at Salisbury Beach – enjoying her summer with her extended family and friends. But above all – family was the center of her life. She was the Matriarch of her large extended family and proud to tell you so. She never forgot a birthday and always made everyone feel special. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends whose lives she has touched over the years.
Maureen is survived by her loving husband William of 58 years. Sons – William Donovan and his wife Cheryl of Methuen, Michael Donovan and wife Lynne of Dracut, Timothy Donovan and wife Jayne, Christopher Donovan and wife Tracy, Terrence Donovan and wife Danette, Daniel Donovan and wife Lora – all of Methuen. Her 14 loving grandchildren – Ryan, Heather, Jessica, Amanda, Meaghan, Connor, Quinn, Michael, Kaitlyn, Madelyn, Gabrielle, Makenna, Marren & Patrick and great-granddaughter Madison. Her sisters Ellen Hatfield of Lawrence & Joan Chetson and her husband Alan of South Lawrence and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her daughters Karen & Mary and granddaughter Emily – as well as her Stepmother Lucinda (Liebold) Morrissey.
Friends and guests are invited to call on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish/St. Theresa’s Church, 22 Plymouth St. Methuen. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maureen’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Donovan Family.