Shirley Donovan

Heaven received a very special angel when Shirley Ann Donovan, 89, of Edgewater, MD was called home on October 27, 2019.  She was surrounded by all eight of her children.

Born in Washington, DC, Shirley attended Bladensburg High School where she met the love of her life, Richard “Buddy” Donovan.  They lived for many years in New Carrollton, MD where they raised their family.  Over the years Shirley’s hobbies included gardening, collecting dolls and lighthouses, and making beautiful cross-stitch works that she enjoyed sharing with family.  She also enjoyed traveling with her family and leisurely evening boat rides with Buddy along the South River to watch the sunset and sightsee.

Shirley leaves a wonderful legacy of a large close-knit family.  Those who cherish her memory include her 8 children (and spouses), Craig Donovan (Jackie), Suzanne Davis Bombria (Henry), Sharon Donovan (Mark Colburn), Kevin Donovan (Esther), Gary Donovan, Diane Hawkins (Bill), Cheryl Fantozzi (Lou), and Keith Donovan (Maria).  Her much-loved sister-in-law, Dorothy Osterman, also survives her.  Shirley was pleased to have 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren that she loved dearly.  She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband, her brother Robert A. Sharon, and her grandson Matthew W. Hudson.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM at Gasch’s Funeral Home, 4739 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday, November 4, 2019 at St. James Catholic Church in Mount Rainier, MD.  Burial will follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD where she will be laid to rest with her husband.  Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association or Susan G. Komen.