Olivette (Gagnon) Donovan

Olivette (Gagnon) Donovan, a Windham, NH resident and beloved wife of the late Brian Michael Donovan, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 71 years old.

Olly was born in Lowell on April 5, 1945, a daughter of the late Harold and Olivette (Maille) Gagnon.

Upon graduation from Lowell High School, she entered the LPN program at Tewksbury School of Nursing. Olly worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse until leaving to raise her family. She also worked for over 20 years at Sears Department Store. Olly returned to nursing at the Lung Specialists of Merrimack Valley, retiring a few years ago.

Olly enjoyed sewing and quilting, especially making quilts for her family. She enjoyed the beach and tending to her flowers and was surprised to win awards for her flower beds. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She was an active parishioner of St. Matthew's Parish in Windham, NH.  Along with her church group, she helped to make clothing for children in the Dominican Republic. With her quilting club, Olly made pillow cases for Ryan's Cause For Smiles, which donates the pillow cases to help children with cancer cope with their hospital stay.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Christine Donovan and Bruce Douglas of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Brian and Erika Donovan of Amesbury, MA, Jennifer Donovan and Alan King of Miami, FL;  three grandchildren, Brian and Jack Donovan, Willamina King; a sister, Paulette (Gagnon) Maloney of Peachtree Corners, GA; a sister in law, Lauris Donovan of Lowell; also many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Harold "Sonny" Gagnon.