Elizabeth "Betty" Donovan
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Elizabeth "Betty" Donovan

  • June 1, 1933 - October 14, 2011
  • Melrose, Massachusetts
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“Our deepest sympathy to Bill and family. Ruth and Jerry Page,(Formerly of Melrose). ”
1 of 19 | Posted by: Jerry and Ruth Page - Londonderry, NH

“We are so sorry to hear about Betty. Our sympathies to all of the family. She will be missed. ”
2 of 19 | Posted by: Tim & Paula Edwards - Melrose, MA

“Moving next door to Bill and Betty over a decade ago is one of the best things that has ever happened to us. I still remember the first time we...Read More » ”
3 of 19 | Posted by: Jane and Charlie Ungashick - MA

“Dear Bill, Susan and Family: We are so sorry about your loss. We were so glad when she came with us to The Bristol Group in '85 and shared many...Read More » ”
4 of 19 | Posted by: Peter Rettig - Watertown, MA

“Judy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in Peace. Wayne Brown ”
5 of 19 | Posted by: Wayne Brown - Attleboro, MA

“Dear Bill, Billy and Susan: I have wonderful memories of the years i worked with Betty, first at Health Systems and then at The Bristol Group ...Read More » ”
6 of 19 | Posted by: Frank Kittredge - Austin, TX

“Dear Bill and Family: We will always cherish our times together. There have been many discussions, card playing, vacations a lot of food and laughs...Read More » ”
7 of 19 | Posted by: Ralph and Joan Lessard - Barnard, VT

“Dear Bill, Susan and Family, We have so many wonderful memories of Betty during our trips to Vermont and our work at The Bristol Group. Our...Read More » ”
8 of 19 | Posted by: Amy & Ken - Lynnfield, MA

“Dear Bill and Family, My heart is with you in this time of sadness. I'm sure Betty is safe as the Spirit of God who dwelt in her heart all...Read More » ”
9 of 19 | Posted by: Rosemary Burke - Melrose, MA

“So sorry for your loss. Mary-Ellen (Dorsey) Reardon ”
10 of 19 | Posted by: Mary-Ellen (Dorsey) Reardon - MA

“My mom, Florence Dorsey, and I want to offer our condolences to the Donovan family. May she rest in peace. Jackie ”
11 of 19 | Posted by: Jacqueline Shaw - Westford, MA

“My deepest sympathies to the Donovan family. Betty was an amazing mother, wife and friend to so many. May Betty now rest in peace. Love, Kathy ...Read More » ”
12 of 19 | Posted by: Kathy Kersey - Burbank, CA

“Our deepest sympathies to the Donovan family. Dunny, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless. Love, Laura...Read More » ”
13 of 19 | Posted by: Carl and Laura Buck - Framingham

“we really think the world of BETTY AND BILL, remembering our trip toVermont and thegood time we had laughing at the fact i was never on a...Read More » ”
14 of 19 | Posted by: phyllis and marvin roman - FL

“There are many things that Marion and I could say about our great,courageous and lifelong friend Betty but to sum it up simply: "Heaven just became a...Read More » ”
15 of 19 | Posted by: Joe and Marion Armstrong - MA

“I met her a few times and she always had a smile!!! Loved talking about old Irish ways. She was a beautiful woman with a loving family. You are...Read More » ”
16 of 19 | Posted by: troianello family - NJ - friend

“Dearest Bill and Family, our hearts are full with sadness that such a dear one as passed to her eternal life. We shall always remember her beautiful...Read More » ”
17 of 19 | Posted by: Hannah and Russ Howe - Tolland, , CT

“You were always my "Betty Mama". May you be at peace. I miss you already. ”
18 of 19 | Posted by: Connie

“You were a wonderful sister. I love you and miss you. I am glad you are at peace. ”
19 of 19 | Posted by: Barbara



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Mrs. Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Landry) Donovan, a longtime Melrose resident, passed away surrounded by her loving family, after a long yet gracious battle with melanoma, on Friday morning, October 14, 2011, at age 78.

Elizabeth, known lovingly as "Betty" was born on June 1, 1933 in Gloucester, one of five children of the late Robert Landry and Eleanor (Olson) Landry. She was raised and educated in Stoneham and Melrose and graduated from Pierce Secretarial School in Boston. In 1953, she married the love of her life, William L. Donovan. She and Bill settled in Melrose to begin 59 years of devotion, and a family of six much loved children. For several years, Betty would stay at home to raise the family of three boys and three girls.

She began a working career at age 41 for Automatic Radio in Melrose and FINEST in Somerville. She would later become the Executive Administrator to the President at Gardner, Preston and Moss in Boston and the Office Manager at the Bristol Group in Boston.

She and Bill enjoyed travelling to Bermuda, Florida and many years of camping in Vermont. A sports enthusiast, Betty was a passionate supporter of the Red Sox and looked forward to the summertime horse races in Saratoga, NY.

Betty surrounded herself with her loving family and her faith. She was a charter member of Incarnation Parish and served as the CCD secretary there for many years. In more recent time, she was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church. She loved the time she spent with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Betty was the beloved wife of William L. "Bill" Donovan with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Judith A. Wraga and her husband John M., Jr of Sharon, William L. Donovan, Jr. and his wife Taki of Cary, NC, Stephen J. Donovan of Newport, RI, Eileen M. Roman and her husband Jonathan D. of Wyckoff, NJ, Susan E. Donovan and her husband Dwayne J. Smith of Buffalo, NY, and Brian J. Donovan and his fiancé Susan Joyce of Danvers. Loving sister of Patricia O'Neil of Peabody, Barbara Landry of Washington, DC, Constance Gramstorff and her husband Richard of N. Reading, and the late Robert Landry. Dear sister-in-law of Ronald J. Donovan and his wife Judy of Naples, FL. Cherished grandmother of John M. Wraga, III, Dr. Katherine Donovan, Alexis Donovan, William L. Donovan, III, Liam Donovan, Hilary Roman, Samantha Roman, Isabella Roman, Erin Smith, Ryan Smith, Connor Smith, and Julia Smith. Also lovingly survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends will honor and remember Betty's life by gathering for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, October 17 from 4-8 PM and again on Tuesday morning at 9 AM before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.

Gifts in Betty's memory may be made to the Melanoma Foundation of New England, 111 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Suite 1005, Concord, MA 01742.