Obituary of Helen Donovan

Helen Donovan Elmira: made the world a better place for 95 years. Her spirit left this earth by the light of the Full Paschal Moon on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011. She was born on December 20, 1915 in Elmira, NY to Richard and Katherine Lonergan. After graduating from Cortland Normal, Helen taught locally in one room schoolhouses until her marriage to Paul M. Donovan in 1941. Her career then turned to raising 6 children and managing a very busy household. Helen was active with The Ladies of Charity and presided as president for many years. She also was a dedicated volunteer for the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary. Helen and Paul enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Seneca Lake and in their later years at their cabin on Donovan Hill. Whenever the family gathered there were always many stories to tell, love and laughter to be shared. Helen's arms were forever open and her heart full of acceptance for all. She was an inspiration and example for those who knew her. Along with her parents, sister and brother-in-law Alice and Joseph Kupstis, sister Mary and brother Richard Lonergan, Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Paul, her cherished daughter-in-law Agnes Amisano Donovan and her dear grandson Noah Clement. Survivors include her children and their families: Matthew with sons, Christian (Lisa) and Kevin Donovan: Katherine (Gerald) Utter with children, Daniel, Kerry (Adam) Bonin, David Utter: Michael (Jeanne) with children, Amy (Greg) Daly and Sally Donovan: William with children, Louise (Sonny) Flores, Michael (Aimee) Donovan, Cara (Zig) Brzezinski, R.J. (Lynne) Cleveland, Damien (Kristen) Cleveland, Michael John (Irena) Amisano: Mary (Gene) Hourihan with children, Sarah (Paul) McLaughlin and Clare Hourihan: Paul (Arlene) with son Jonah. Helen had 22 great-grandchildren, Everett and Tavish Bonin, Sadie and Donovan Daly, Brett and Megan Flores, Haeley Donovan, Zig, Max and Sophia Brzezinski, Abby, Mia, Allie and Eli Cleveland, Damien, Annabella, Gianna, and Luke Cleveland, Maria and Antonio Amisano, Tyler and Elijah Clement. Also surviving are her much loved nephews, Richard, Robert and Joseph Kupstis, along with their families. Helen's family would like to give special thanks to her very loving, dedicated caregivers and companions, Diane and Carol, who helped make Helen's last few years comfortable and pleasant. Friends are invited to the McInerny Funeral Home on Monday April 25, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Prayer Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday April 26, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Internment will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Donations in Helen's memory can be directed to: Angels For Alyssa dba MMA Research Fund PO Box 262 Shermans Dale, PA 17090