Beatrice M. Donovan (Feb. 6, 1928 to March 20, 2017)

Born in Jackson Heights, New York, Beatrice “Bea” Donovan was the daughter of Margaret O’Shea Maher and Thomas Francis Maher of Tipperary, Ireland.

She was pre-deceased by her loving husband Stanley James Donovan, and her two brothers, John “Jackie” and Thomas Francis “Buddy” Maher. She is survived by her six sons, Jim (Anne-Marie); Kevin (Angela); Brian (Karen); Denis (Linda); Kerry (Wendy) and Paul (Lori). Bea was a wonderful Nana to her 13 grandchildren Eric, Tom, Bob, Erin, Mark, Christopher, Matthew, Liam, Daniel, Neale, Benjamin, Grace and Kyley; and eight great-grandchildren Austin, Emily, Tommy, Maggie, Oliver, Ayden, Masor and Bridget.

A longtime Lynbrook resident and parishioner of Our Lady of Peace, Bea moved to Glen Spey, NY after retiring from New York Telephone. She will be remembered for her strong faith, deep love of family, chocolate chip cookie-making, gardening skills, telling great stories, never forgetting to send a birthday card, dancing to Irish music, attending Broadway shows, crocheting baby clothes, doing the Jumble, enjoying a strong cup of tea and proudly displaying endless framed photos of her children and grandchildren.

She was an active participant in so many family celebrations, from weddings, showers and christenings to Christmas parties, reunions and backyard barbecues. She and Stanley were accomplished travelers, taking numerous international trips to Ireland, England, Paris, Spain, Panama, Mexico and Guatemala. Multiple generations of relatives and friends always found a warm welcome in their home, especially around their enormous kitchen table. Bea’s deep affection for children was apparent when she sang to every newborn baby, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

Bea will be greatly missed by those who love her and wish her well as she enjoys a long-awaited reunion with family and friends she has not seen for a long time.