Barbara Donovan - Obituary

arbara E. Donovan Menifee, CA. – Barbara (“Babs”) E. Donovan, mother, wife, homemaker and realtor passed away on September 24, 2015. Barbara was the beacon of a large family that always pointed the right way through life with grace, kindness, strength and integrity. She was born in Boston and grew up in Charlestown, Massachusetts. She loved to be referred to by her nickname, “Babs”, and was proud of her Irish heritage and her upbringing in Charlestown. Barbara attended Salem Teachers College and met and married her husband, John (“Jack”) R. Donovan, while she still lived in Charlestown. Jack predeceased Barbara on February 23, 2014, after 61 years of wonderful marriage with Barbara. Barbara and Jack moved to California while Barbara was in her early twenties, where they remained for approximately 20 years. After which, Barbara and Jack moved multiple times up and down the East Coast for both work and pleasure. Barbara and Jack ultimately settled back in Southern California in Menifee, California prior to both of their passings. Barbara was active in community activities, was a successful realtor and was the proud mother of four children. She made a wonderful home for her family. Barbara was a gifted conversationalist with incredible wit and had a twinkle in her eye with a bright smile every day of her life. She loved to spend time with her children listening to their stories and sharing stories of her own. She was a special lady who will be remembered for her wonderful laugh, caring nature, sense of humor, optimism, determination, guidance, and support for her family. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Wiley Blood; her husband, John R. Donovan; her son, Christopher Donovan; and her sisters Evelyn Blood and Hazel Thompson. She is survived by her three children Diane Kuzma; John Donovan; and Judy Donovan. Barbara is also survived by her grandchildren Michelle, Cassandra, Jack and Wiley; and her great grandchildren Jasmine and Jonathan. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 16, at 11:45 AM at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA. The family invites Barbara’s friends to attend the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org), and the ASPCA (www.aspca.org). Condolences may be made at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com (search “Donovan” under “Obituaries”).