Mildred A. ‘Millie’ Donovan

1919 – 2009

LEWISTON — Mildred A. Donovan, 90, went peacefully to join her beloved husband Bill in heaven on June 24. She was surrounded by her loving family, and being the mother, and grandmother that she was she allowed them the time to share memories and create new ones. Family was most important to her.

Millie was born in Chicopee Falls, Mass., April 16, 1919,  the daughter of George Wand Rose L. Constant. She graduated from Jay High School and attended Central Maine Technical College.

On Aug. 9, 1942, she married the love of her life Bill Donovan. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church. She belonged to Post 22 and was their Sergeant-at-Arms for four years. She belonged to the 40 and 8, and was the chaplin for eight years.

She was an accomplished violinist and seamstress. She became directly involved with designing homes, going over blueprints and perfecting them down to the last detail; the last one being her home at Higgins Beach with Margaret, her daughter.

Her love for the ocean started at a very young age when she was a governess at Old Orchard Beach. She extended her love for the water when she and Bill raised their five children at Tacoma Lakes during the summer. It was a wonderful thing that in her final years, she was able to be back at the ocean, taking walks, sitting on her porch enjoying family and friends.

She was employed at Ward Brothers and the Lingerie Network until her retirement in 1995. From her employment at Ward Brothers, the Wards Girls were formed; they met on a regular basis. Her circle of friends grew when she wintered in Florida for 10 years.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and a true friend. She was always ready to listen, offer advice and support. She also enjoyed sharing stories about the “Good Ole Days.”

She leaves five loving children, three daughters, Georgette Cookie Donovan, Margaret Donovan and Cindy Harradon and her husband, Tim; two sons, William R. Donovan and his wife, Sue and Al Donovan and his wife, Susan; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; one sister, Gert LaBrecque of Florida; one brother-in-law, Normand Bergeron of Massachusetts; and her extended family Wayne, Hilliary and little Malia Lewis.

She was predeceased by her parents; one brother; two sisters; her husband, Bill on Dec. 18, 1992; and a granddaughter, Heather Raymond.