Donovan, Mary F. (Phipps) age 87 of Westborough, formerly of Needham, died on Jan 4, 2013 following a brief illness. Beloved wife of John D. Donovan, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Boston College. Loving mother of Christine Moynihan and her husband Frank. Devoted grandmother of Michael Graber and his wife Virginia Garcia, Brian Graber and his wife Stephanie, Adam Graber and his wife Nicole, Caitlin Donovan and Molly Donovan. Adored great-grandmother of Eleanor, Harlan, Nicolas, Madeleine, Owen and Colin Graber. Daughter of the late M. Florence (MacPhee) and R. David N. Phipps of Waltham. Sister of Arthur Phipps of Sudbury and the late D. Farrand Phipps of Winchester. Passionate about American history and genealogy, she was a member and ex-regent in the DAR, as well as a member of DFPA and the Society of Mayflower Descendants. Active in her various communities, Mary was a longtime volunteer for Girl Scouts of America, St. Joseph’s Parish Peace & Justice Committee, St. Joseph’s 75th Anniversary Committee and Boston College Faculty Wives. She also shared her education and skills in accounting as a volunteer tax preparer for seniors.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave (Exit 19b off 128), NEEDHAM, Thursday January 10, 2013 at 10AM. Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours prior to the Mass from 10-11:15AM at the funeral home. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Needham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave. Boston MA 02115 or The Missionary Servants of John Paul l c/o Ray & Lauretta Seabeck, 7845 SW 186th Ave. Beaverton, OR 97007 for the children of Haiti.