It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving mother Bette Donovan at the age of 83 on May 8th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family in Dryden ON.
Bette was born in Chatham ON, raised in Bracebridge ON and lived in many places in Southern Ontario before she eventually made her way with her three children to Ear Falls in 1975 where she found her roots and a fulfilling life of being a member of the Legion (achieving a Lifetime membership), and many would remember her many years working at the Ear Falls Arena and volunteering at various community initiatives including many years organizing the July 1st celebrations and 27 years for the Terry Fox Run in which she was recognized by the Terry Fox Foundation and the Governor General in 2007. Mom always loved to play her beloved mahogany upright piano (and any other she could find) which was with her since she was four years old. In her last few years, she had moved to a seniors complex in Dryden ON to be closest to her youngest daughter and three grandchildren.
Her greatest passion was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in which her little family of four has blossomed into 19 and growing. She is survived by her daughter Cindi Donovan-McKenna (children Jake(Kelsey)and Cole), son John Donovan(Sheree and children Jasmine (Mike), Ariel(Dominic and great grandchild Ashton and one on the way) and Trey) and Melissa Donovan(Tyrone and children Trista (Sam and great grandchild Phoenyx), Randi(Andy) and Carter).
As per her wishes, a gathering will be held in her honour at the Ear Falls Legion on Friday May 10 from 2-4 pm and a gravesite burial of her ashes at the Ear Falls Cemetery will be held with the privacy of her family.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Terry Fox Foundation or to the Ear Falls Royal Canadian Legion.
