Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Schlicting) Donovan, 93, died peacefully at her daughters residence on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 following a period of declining health.
She was born in Cambridge on August 15, 1927 the daughter of the late Albert H. Schlicting and Ella Mae (Hackett) Schlicting.
Betty was the beloved wife for 60 years of the late James J. Donovan, Jr. who died on October 26, 2006.
She was the loving and devoted mother of Elizabeth Jean Donovan of Bellingham; Ann Marie Rawding and her husband Robert of Erie, PA; Timothy Joseph Donovan of Framingham; Daniel Joseph Donovan and his wife Mary of Stafford, VA, the late Mary Ellen Wellington who died in 2007and the late James Joseph Donovan, III who died in 2018. She was the grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Also survived by 4 nieces and 12 nephews. Betty was the sister of the late Mary Jean McLellen and Arthur Schlicting.
Betty has been a resident of Natick for the past 68 years where she and Jim raised their family. She volunteered for many years at Leonard Morse Hospital and was a Welcome Wagon Lady in the area. She was a member of the NEFCA – Charles River Chapter.
She and Jim enjoyed being members of the Fairs and Squares and both dedicated many hours to various committees at St. Zepherin Church. She was also a long-time member of the Saint Zepherin Womans Club and volunteered for the annual fair, especially with the knitting group. Betty was also a member of the Bellingham knitting group. She was well known for her many handmade gifts to family and friends.
She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family who she always put first above herself.
Visitations will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm ONLY with a walk through wake at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (off Rte. 30), Cochituate.
Family and friends are requested to go directly to her Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at 10:30 am at Good Shepherd Parish at ST. ZEPHERIN CHURCH, 99 Main St (Rte, 27), Cochituate. Seating will be limited at the church. Interment will follow in the Donovan family lot in St. Zepherin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, her family kindly suggests that memorial gifts in Betty’s memory may be sent to SmileTrain, PO BOX 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.
Current COVID-19 guidelines will be followed at both the funeral home and church. Masks are required and social distancing will be respected.