Donovan, Margaret T. (Brennan), 88, died peacefully at her home in Milton on Saturday November 21, 2015. Margaret spent her last days at home surrounded by her loving family, listening to the Irish Tenors, and recounting many funny and endearing stories from throughout her life. She was a great storyteller and loved to have a full house of guests to share them with, usually over a cup of tea and homemade desserts. She opened her doors, her kitchen, and her heart to many and is fondly remembered by friends and family, both here and in Ireland, for her kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor.
Originally from Dorchester, Margaret graduated from Saint Gregory’s High School and worked for the telephone company until her Marriage to Jeremiah (Jerry) Donovan. She and Jerry moved to Milton in 1955 where Margaret immediately got involved in St. Agatha’s Church. She enjoyed volunteering at the Church and singing in the choir where she made many friends. Margaret loved her summers in Parkwood Beach, Wareham, especially the beautiful sunsets and all the family events at the community house. She was the soul of her family and put them ahead of all else. Her 19 grandchildren brought her incredible joy. Her whole face smiled when they were around.
Beloved wife of Jeremiah Donovan for 62 years. Devoted mother to her 9 children: Paul of Westminster; Karen and her husband Stephen Lambert of Canton, Mary and her husband Leo Fitzsimons of Quincy; Ellen Donovan and her husband David Harding of Syracuse, NY; Jane and her husband Stephen Carey of Attleboro; Sheila and her husband Nicholas Driscoll of Marshfield; Susan and her husband Michael Patti of Methuen; Gerald of Dartmouth; and Ann Donovan and her husband John Scaife of Quincy. Adoring grandmother to Michael and Brian Donovan; LeeAnn, Stephen, Danielle, and Angela Lambert; Alison, Erin, and Jeremy Harding; Lauren and Eric Carey, Shannon, Nicholas, and Holly Driscoll; Sara and Margaret Patti; Courtney and Daniel Grubbs-Donovan; and Mia Scaife.
Margaret is also survived by her sister and best friend Catherine Brennan of Holbrook. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Helen (Hickey) Brennan and her brothers Paul and John.
Funeral mass at St. Agatha’s Church Milton Wednesday morning at 10:00. Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Tuesday 4-8 pm. Burial Milton Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to Good Shepherd Community Care (Hospice), 90 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459 or St. Francis House, 39 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116.