LEWISTON – Mary Elaine Donovan, born in Gardiner Nov. 7, 1940, the daughter of Fred and Helen Donovan Sr. passed away Monday March 20, 2023 after a near, life-long battle with cancer. She was recovering from a broken hip when the cancer emerged again. She had battled cancer several times and won.

Mary worked for many years at Lipman Poultry Company in Augusta until its closing. She then moved on to a housekeeping position at Glen Ridge Nursing Facility until her retirement. She lived in the Lilac Lane Mobile Home Park in Augusta. She walked to work and back home in all types of weather, leaving her home at 4 a.m. in the morning to be on time for her job. Mary was gentle soul who never asked for anything that she couldn’t afford by herself. She moved from Lilac Park to Chateau Cushnoc Elderly Housing Complex where she resided for the past five years.

As a child, she worked right along with her Mom, Dad and two brothers to take care of the big vegetable gardens and 600 laying hens, never complaining. She always did what had to be done. Mary loved the old-style Country Western Music and had quite a collection of albums. She looked forward to attending the Country Western Shows that used to come to the Augusta area in years past.

The love of her life was her beloved canine companions little Sammy, Sammy 2, Ginger and her last one, a little Shih Tzo, Sammy 3. She loved them dearly and cared for them just as if they were her children.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by a brother, Russell Donovan of Pittston; a nephew, Fred Donovan III, John and David Greenleaf of Gardiner and West Gardiner who were like brothers as they were raised on the Donovan Farm with her.

She is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Evelyn Donovan Jr. of South Paris; a niece, Shannon Donovan Puiia and husband Paul of Oakland, a grand niece, Elissia Eden Puiia; sister-in-law, Judith Donovan of Florida; a niece, Melanie Donovan Geneseo and children; a nephew, Richie Donovan and wife Cindy of Augusta; and cousins from New Brunswick, Canada. Also many dear friends, loving health care workers and Sammy the Shih Tzo of South Paris.

A graveside service will be planned for early summer at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Gardiner.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, Mary would request that you make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice.

Copy the Story Link