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Kathy Donovan

  • October 23, 1956 - May 5, 2011
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Kathy Donovan

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Memories & Candles

“I just read an article by Mrs. Donovan, the Math Lady, in the fall 2011 newsletter of the Virginia Mathematics Teacher. It was a wonderful personal...Read More » ”
1 of 20 | Posted by: Amy DeHar - Lexington, VA

“She was a bright light in our sons every day life as well as ours, that is why we thought lighting a candle in her memory was most fitting. We will...Read More » ”
2 of 20 | Posted by: Julien, Bruce and Carol Melio

“Dear Donovan and Ullrich family, Who knew our paths would cross in this way, the Navy is truly a family. Kathy helped make my first tour as a Navy...Read More » ”
3 of 20 | Posted by: Paul and Natalie Ashcraft

“Kathy was such an inspiring and supportive collegue and friend. She made my life happier every day that I saw her. I would like to send my...Read More » ”
4 of 20 | Posted by: Sara Drauszewski - Manassas, VA

“Our family is so sorry to hear about the loss of Ms. Donovan. We also knew her from Fairlawn. She was my son's (DYLAN) math teacher and was our...Read More » ”
5 of 20 | Posted by: Tracey Quales - Norfolk, VA

“Dear Walt, Liam, and Courtney, I was saddened to hear the news of Kathy's passing. I never made a trip to Va Beach without her treating me as an...Read More » ”
6 of 20 | Posted by: Jim Smith - Woodstock, IL

“My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May you feel God's love as you face the loss of your wife and mother. Our prayers are...Read More » ”
7 of 20 | Posted by: Gwen Stinard - Virginia Beach, VA

“To the Donovan family I want you to know I'm thinking of you all at this difficult time with sympathy and understanding . Kathy worked across the...Read More » ”
8 of 20 | Posted by: Brenda Turner - Portsmouth, VA

“Our condolences to your family at this time of great loss. Our prayers are with you. ”
9 of 20 | Posted by: Douglas (USNA '77) and Kathryn Smith - VA

“Our condolences to your family at this time of great loss. Our prayers are with you. ”
10 of 20 | Posted by: Douglas (USNA '77) and Kathryn Smith - VA

“Earth Has lost an angel. I knew her best through the eyes of my children who attend Fairlawn. Always smiling, eager to help. I am truly blessed to...Read More » ”
11 of 20 | Posted by: Heather Simmons - Norfolk, VA

“Walt and family, From talented educator to loving mom and dynamic Navy wife, Kathy was taken from you much too soon. We keep you in our family...Read More » ”
12 of 20 | Posted by: Jim and Maggie Coulson - Hudson, WI

“Dear Michael, Loving thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. ”
13 of 20 | Posted by: Kerry, David, Christian and Chelsea Giles - VA

“We are so sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. Our years together in Stuttgart were memorable and far more fun with Kathy's help and friendship. She was...Read More » ”
14 of 20 | Posted by: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark and Sandy Loepker - MD

“Hi,my name is Haley and my little brother is named Dylan. We knew Mrs.Donovan for 3 years we miss her very much.She used to help us both with math...Read More » ”
15 of 20 | Posted by: haley nesbitt and dylan williamson - VA

“I knew Kathy while stationed at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart Germany. Seeing that I was alone she quickly welcomed me into her family and made me...Read More » ”
16 of 20 | Posted by: Jack Holt - Memphis, TN

“Dearest Walt and Family, Kathy’s bright smile and unflagging enthusiasm were contagious…it simply was not possible to keep a frown on...Read More » ”
17 of 20 | Posted by: Wendy Gray - Virginia Beach, VA

“Walt and family, Kathy was always so warm and gracious. After first meeting her, I felt like I"d known her for a lifetime. She will be greatly...Read More » ”
18 of 20 | Posted by: Nick and Lisa Chamberlin - VA

“Dear Walt, Liam & Courtney, We were so very saddened to hear about the loss of Kathy. She certainly was the light in the room at any event and...Read More » ”
19 of 20 | Posted by: Jim & Michelle Hodge - Fort Lee, VA

“My heart goes out to you, Walt and your whole family. What a terrible loss. Kathy's obituarie couldn't have said it better, she did have an...Read More » ”
20 of 20 | Posted by: Sally Gearey Rawls - Chesapeake, VA


Kathy lived a remarkable 54 years as a Navy wife, an award-winning teacher, a beloved mother, daughter, and sister, and a dear friend. Kathy Donovan was born Kathleen Rebecca Ullrich in Ithaca, NY on October 23rd, 1956. The middle child of Carl and Becky's brood of five, she stood out from an early age with her quick wit and magnetic personality. Settling in Maryland after stints in New Jersey, Florida, and Massachusetts, Kathy excelled at Annapolis High School and graduated a full semester early in 1973. Months later, at age 17, she married newly minted Ensign Walter Donovan at the US Naval Academy chapel, spurning college plans at Miami of Ohio for the white sands of Pensacola and the life of a Navy spouse. It was a role she handled with aplomb, and as Walt moved up the ranks within the Prowler community, Kathy was a consummate leader on the homefront. Among other designations she served as President of the Officer's Wives Club at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and made a lasting impact on military communities from Washington state and Virginia to Germany and back. After 30 years as a Navy wife, raising two adoring children, and settling the family in Virginia Beach, VA, Kathy found her true calling as an educator. Returning to school after a 20 year hiatus, she finished her bachelor's degree at Virginia Wesleyan College and embarked on her second career as a teacher in the Norfolk Public School system. Kathy approached teaching in the same way she tackled life- with indomitable spirit, love, and great humor. She spent several successful years in the classroom at Suburban Park Elementary School, winning the respect and admiration of her students and colleagues and earning a Master of Arts in Urban Education from Norfolk State University along the way. Her subsequent transition to Fairlawn Elementary School as a math specialist marked a turning point in her career, allowing her to imbue students from all grades with her passion for learning. In April of 2011 she was honored as Fairlawn's teacher of the year, named to Norfolk's "All-City Teaching Team," distinguishing herself among the top 12 finalists, and received an "Inspiration Award" as the most outstanding math educator in city schools. Less than two weeks later, while preparing her lesson plan as chair of the upcoming Standards of Learning testing, she suffered a severe heart attack in her home office. She would fight for nearly two weeks before going to the Lord peacefully on Thursday, May 5th at age 54. Kathy is survived by her husband, Walter; two children, Liam Donovan of Washington, DC, and Courtney Donovan of Fairfax, VA; her parents, Carl and Rebecca Ullrich of Virginia Beach, VA; and four siblings, Julie Anderson of Bremerton, WA, Richard Ullrich of Kennett Square, PA, Thomas Ullrich of Fredericksburg, VA, and Michael Ullrich of Virginia Beach, VA. Funeral arrangements have been made for Monday, May 9th at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Family in Virginia Beach. She will be interred at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are asked to contribute to the Kathy Donovan Memorial Fund to support her students at Fairlawn Elementary.