Obituary of Anne F. Donovan

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our sister Anne Frances Donovan at the age of 82. Annie was born in Dorchester on December 2, 1942 to Joseph E Donovan and Anna (Laverty) Donovan, and died on January 20, 2025. She was the second oldest of 8 children. Annie graduated from Gate of Heaven High School, Emmanuel College and Boston University. 

Annie was a caregiver, mentor and party planner extraordinaire. Annie was happiest spending time at her beloved Saquish, enjoying the company of her family and friends, jogging, traveling, politics and giving tours in Washington DC to her many visitors. Annie was always proud of her Boston roots and her Irish Catholic heritage. If you were lucky enough to get to know Annie, you had a good friend for life.

Annie was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Pat and Joe. She is survived by brother Don and wife Ann (Dwyer) Donovan of Pembroke, brother Ed and wife Christine (Daley) Donovan of Braintree, sister Barbara and husband John Ready of Plymouth, sister Kathy and husband Jack Devine of Kingston, brother Bill and wife Anne (Mooney) Donovan of Halifax, and sister-in-law Julianne (Jones) Donovan of Pembroke, widow of Pat, and sister-in-law Allison (Holt) Donovan of Plymouth, widow of Joe. Annie also leaves behind 19 nieces and nephews, plus their spouses, 26 great nieces and nephews, numerous god children, cousins, and an unbelievable number of friends world wide. 

Annie had an incredible career. She worked at the Brockton District Courts as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer; for Evelyn Murphy in the Michael Dukakis Admin in MA; for Governor Lawton Chiles Admin in Tallahassee, FL; for Child and Family Services Agency in Washington DC; with the Clinton Admin for Hilary R Clinton, Washington DC, and for The Jones Day Law Firm in Washington DC, from which she retired in June of 2015. 

Annie fought a long battle with Alzheimers, but she maintained her smile, positive disposition and love of life till the end. As the first resident of the Duxbury House for Memory Care, Annie won everyone’s hearts. We wish to thank all of the staff at DH for the love and support they showed Annie. Annie will be terribly missed by her family, friends and community. 

Calling hours for Annie will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home located at 216 Main St in Kingston on Sunday, January 26th, from 2-6 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church, 575 Monponsett St, Halifax on Monday, January 27th at 11 am. 

Private burial services will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: 

Alzheimer's Research; Cranberry Hospice; or Gurnet Saquish Corporation