Donovan, Louise E. formerly of Cambridge, passed away in Wayland on May 18 after a long illness. She was 81. Daughter of Walter and Johanna Donovan, Lou was born in Adams, Mass. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in history of art. Lou worked at the Worcester Art Museum and the New England Conservatory of Music before beginning her career at Radcliffe College, where she worked for 36 years. Lou served as secretary and then assistant to the president until she was appointed Secretary of the College in 1976. She also served as Clerk of the Board of Trustees for 35 years. When Lou retired in 1996, the board recognized her contributions by conferring on her the titles Secretary of the College Emerita and Clerk of the Board of Trustees Emerita. Those who knew Lou would agree that her two great loves were work and travel. She made her first trip to Europe in 1955, accompanied by her cousin, at the age of 25. This love of travel continued throughout her life. During her years at Radcliffe, Lou planned and undertook a major trip almost every year. She was dedicated to her job, but also had the ability to put work aside as soon as she picked up her suitcase and locked the front door behind her. She particularly enjoyed traveling in England, France, Italy, Ireland, and Greece. After retiring, Lou enjoyed gardening as well as reading more of the many books in her library. She began piano lessons, and volunteered her time as a tutor for college students learning English. She also continued her lifelong support of the local arts. Friends will remember Lou for the high standards to which she held herself and others, her steadfast friendship, her firm faith, and her caring heart. Lou is survived by her two sisters, Clare Andrews of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Margaret Hooe of Skaneateles, New York, and 18 nieces and nephews. Lou was sister of the late Kevin Donovan of Glastonbury, Conn., and Phillip Donovan of Ellington, Conn. Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Friday, May 20, at 10:30 am in St. Paul Church in Harvard Square, Cambridge. Interment will be at the Bellevue Cemetery in Adams, and is private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to support the Louise Donovan Prize at the Office for the Arts at Harvard. This prize is awarded annually to an undergraduate who has made a substantial “behind the scenes” contribution to the arts. Checks should be made payable to the Office for the Arts at Harvard, 74 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Please indicate ‘Louise Donovan Prize’ on the memo line of the check. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For on-line condolences, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.