1916 – 2013

PORTLAND — Sr. Ann Mary Donovan, RSM, 97, (Rita Sarah Donovan), died as she lived, quietly and peacefully, at Mercy Hospital, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, after a short illness.

She was born in Calais on Jan. 26, 1916, a daughter of John William Donovan and Annie Isabel Gayton. She graduated from Calais Academy and Lewiston High School. Prior to her entrance into the Sisters of Mercy at 39 years old, she worked as a bookkeeper for several years.

In 1955, Sr. Ann Mary entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Joseph’s Parish in Lewiston. While completing her religious formation, she worked in the business office at Mercy Hospital. In 1963, Sr. Ann Mary accepted a position as electrocardiograph technician at the hospital, a position she held until her retirement in 1984.

In her retirement years, she became a volunteer in the Pastoral Care Department at Mercy Hospital. Sr. Ann Mary’s gifted qualities of calmness, gentleness and compassion served her well as she stopped in to see the patients. Her kind smile, loving heart and prayerful demeanor made her near and dear to not only the patients, but their families and the employees as well. She formed lasting bonds with the families, and one wrote in to thank her for her “quiescent kindness.” Whenever possible, Sr. Ann Mary attended the wakes and funerals of former patients as part her of her Mercy presence to others.

In the 1990s, Sr. Ann Mary fully retired from Mercy Hospital and moved to St. Joseph’s Convent, (Motherhouse) where she assisted with internal duties. In 2004, she moved to the newly established Frances Warde Convent on Capisic St., Portland, where she resided until her recent illness. She recently enjoyed a trip around Casco Bay with her dear friend, 102-year-old Sr. M. Louise Landry. We know she is now rejoicing, as she faithfully lived by her religious motto, “Thy will be done.”

In addition to her parents, Sr. Ann Mary Donovan was predeceased by her siblings, Gerald Donovan, Doris Donovan, Dorothy Donovan McGovern; and her brother-in-law, Joseph McGovern.

She is survived by a brother, John D. Donovan; two nieces, Rita Vincent and her husband, Leo, and Nancy Boilard and her husband, Daniel; several great-nieces and -nephews; and great-great-nieces and -nephews; as well as her sisters in community.

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