Marian Donovan

Marian Agnes Donovan, nee Michels, age 95, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her loving family on January, 29, 2018. Beloved spouse of John Donovan for almost 69 years. Devoted mother to Paulette (Steve Herman), Mary Lu (Richard Collins), Sukantika, Tim, John, Tom (Geralyn), Fran (Sean Shaffer), and Sue (Joe Minogue). Treasured grandmother of Rich, Christopher, Elizabeth, Joseph, Caroline, Kaydee, Danny, Quinn, Maeve, Maddie, Grace, Mark and Eric and tender great-grandmother of Fern and Stone. Born in Chicago on January 21, 1923 to Henry and Mathilda Michels, she was the loving sister of Sr. Matthias Michels, OP, Anne Michels and Rosemarie (Tony) Dado, all deceasedMarian was a Renaissance woman ahead of her time. She had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, spoke several languages, had a passion for travel and worked tirelessly to ensure the best education for her family. In 1933, her perfect prize-winning penmanship was displayed at the World’s Fair in Chicago. She attended Trinity High School, received her Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in 1944, followed by a Master’s degree in French from Laval University in Quebec City. She worked as a French translator for the Catholic Association of Foresters until she married John in 1949 and started her large and loving family. She founded the Bosconians 4-H Club and served for many years as its leader. Later, she worked at Thomas More Catholic Book Publishers. There was nothing Marian wouldn’t do for her family—or just about anyone else. Loving, faithful, selfless and generous, she was the brightest of lights and gave us all a shining example of a life well-lived. She was happiest when in the presence of her brood and reveled in the joy of her grandchildren. Visitation Friday, February 2, from 3 to 9pm at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 West Lawrence Ave, Norridge. Funeral Service Begins Saturday:10:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home and will proceed to St. Monica’s Church, 5136 N. Nottingham, Chicago, Funeral Mass 11:00 A.M. Interment at Saint Joseph Cemetery, River Grove .In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 North Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660, misericordia.com.