Obituary of Kathleen L Donovan

Kathleen Lillian Donovan (nee McGowan)Born 11/16/31 in Flushing, New York passed away peacefully on 5/06/22 (National Nurses Day) surrounded by her beloved family at Brightview Senior Living in Pennsylvania.  

Kathleen graduated from Mount St. Vincent College with a BS in nursing.  After graduation she traveled to Japan, visiting her sister and brother-in-law stationed at a US Navy base near Yokoyama and traveled independently throughout the country for several months.   Upon her return, she worked as a public health nurse with Blue Cross in Washington DC, where she met (via The Catholic Club of Washington) and married the late William Joseph Donovan. While raising her 4 children in Arlington VA she was heavily involved in local and national politics, campaigning for various elections, and advocating for the rights of the mentally disabled and civil rights in general.  She served on the Community Services Board of Arlington County, where she and a small group of likeminded mothers worked together to secure housing and care for the mentally challenged community.  For those sincere efforts, she was recognized for her many years of volunteer service by Arlington County, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-Arlington),  and Community Residences (CRi). 

A dedicated passionate advocate, smart communicator and committed agent of assistance for those without a voice in Arlington will be her Legacy. 

In later years she resumed work as an RN in both pediatrics and geriatric disciplines helping children and seniors alike.  She was longtime volunteer with the Smithsonian Museum where she guided folks to wonderful learning experiences.  Through it all she was an intrepid traveler visiting Ireland, Europe, and many U.S. National Parks with family & friends.  She was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington VA.  Her many joys were,  Chats and travel with her sister and family, Celebrating Irish Heritage, Prayer Groups, Folk Festivals, Broadway Shows, Sweets & foods of all kinds, Washington Nationals Baseball games, True Long walks on the Beach, Sunsets and good times with family & friends. 

Her laugh (The best), smile and sincere caring ways will be missed by us all.  . 

Loving mother to Diane Donovan Mack, Kevin J Donovan, and his wife Kathy, Brendan R. Donovan,  Clare E. Weber, and her husband, Albert. Sister to Patricia Clifford of Connecticut.  Mimi to Ryan, Matthew, William, Camille, Lillian & Holly Rose.

Services -

Family and Friends are invited for visitation Friday June 10th from 11:30 am  - 12:30 pm.  Mass to follow at 12:30 pm   St. Philip Neri Church 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, Pa 19444  www.saintphilipnericurch.com

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Kathleen’s name to CRi Community Residences 14160 Newbrook Dr. Chantilly, VA  20151 click and follow the link .. https://mycri.org/donate