Obituary of Pat Donovan
It is with broken hearts that we had to say good bye to this beautiful woman we were all so fortunate enough to call Mom, Nan, Sister, Aunt and friend. Patricia Anna Donovan (Yates), 84 years, of Brockville Ontario, entered into rest peacefully the morning of February 28, 2021, with her cherished family by her side.
She is survived by her three heartbroken children and her adoring grandchildren; Lisa Richardson of Gananoque and her daughter Jessica Earle (Yuen), John Donovan (Cheryl) of Brockville and their daughters Alisha and Daron, and Paul Donovan (Theresa) of Gananoque and their children Luke, Matthew and Bridget. Also survived by her brother Gary Yates (Anna) of Barhaven, sister in law Colleen Yates (Phil) of Kemptville, and sister in law Noreen Donovan (Joe) of Escott. Also missed by her many nieces and nephews, as well as close friends. Predeceased by her parents Kathleen (Waters) and Charles Yates, by her loving husband John “Jack” Bernard , and her siblings John Yates (Pat), Sheila Ovington (Don) and Phil Yates (Colleen).
Patricia “Pat” was born January 13, 1937 at the Brockville General Hospital and spent her childhood life growing up in the village of Delta Ont. It was only natural given her love of people and her caring personality that she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1958 from the Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston. Her professional nursing career, which she thoroughly enjoyed, consisted of teaching students at the Hotel Dieu Hospital, she travelled out West and nursed in Lloydminster for one year and she returned to Brockville and nursed at the Brockville General Hospital. She met the love of her life “Jack” Donovan of Escott Ont. They married in 1963. Together they raised their family on the 5th generation family farm in Escott, a home always filled with love and laughter! She ended her nursing career in 1999 as Administrator of Mapleview Lodge in Athens, a position she took great pride in, all while raising three active children. She was an integral member of her community, volunteering her time as a member of the Catholic Women’s League, volunteering her time at the schools, and she belonged to the Lioness club. When her husband passed away in 1999, Patricia moved to Brockville where she spent her remaining years enjoying her family, and her many friends. She was comforted by her lifelong Catholic faith regularly attending St. John Bosco Church. She joined the Red Hatters Society and, and she enjoyed many outings/activities with her friends the “Golden Girls” spearheaded by her loving friend and neighbor Marilyn.
Her true passion, however, was her family. She adored and was so close to her children, and her grandchildren who grew to be the beautiful human beings they are. Spending time with them was her greatest pleasure. She was interested and supportive in absolutely everything they did! “Nanny Pat” sought out every opportunity to engage in their lives and be their “biggest cheerleader”. She touched so many with her big smile, her wonderful sense of humour, her “up for anything attitude” and her gift for putting everyone at ease and making them feel special. For these attributes, and her genuine love of people, she was everyone’s favorite person, she was everyone’s nanny and she will be missed by so many. She enjoyed life to the fullest, she enriched our lives with her presence, she was calming and fun with a “go with the flow” attitude. We love you more than words can express and we will always hold you in our hearts. Be at peace mom!
Family and friends will be received at Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl Street East Brockville on Friday March 6, 2021 from 1- 4 pm and from 6-9 p.m. A Private Family Liturgy of Christian Funeral will be celebrated at St. John Parish. Interment to follow at St. Brendan’s Cemetery, Rockport. In memory of Pat, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Association or St. John Parish would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.barclayfuneralhome.com.
A Large Celebration of Life for all to attend to honour and celebrate mom will be held in the future, when Covid restrictions have lifted.
Due to the COVID restrictions, please call the Funeral Home at 613-342-2792 if you would like to attend the visitation as there is a limit to how many people can be in the building at a time. Everyone must wear a mask indoors. All attendees must follow these directives: thebao.ca/registrars-directive-changes-to-funeral-and-visitation-attendance/
1937 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Pat
Donovan 1937 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Brockville, Province: Ontario