Joan Teresa Donovan

Framingham, MA, passed away on April 30, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her loved ones after a valiant battle with multiple myeloma. Joan’s passing marks the end of a life that was filled

with love, laughter, and a spirit that will dearly be missed by all who knew her.

Born on August 20,1941 in Providence, RI, Joan was the daughter of the late Helena Evelyn

(Sorrentino) and Louis F. Monte. She was raised in Rumford, RI and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and

graduated from Pompano High School in 1959 and Florida State University in 1963.

While working as a teacher in Washington, D.C., Joan met her husband, the late Honorable J.

Peter Donovan, when he asked her for directions. They were married in 1964 and enjoyed 50

years together. Joan was a wonderful mother and dedicated many years to raising her three

children.

Joan spent much of her career making an impact on the lives of others. She taught for many

years in the Framingham School District, before retiring and working as a tax advisor for H&R

Block until the age of 82. Her meticulous attention to detail and caring nature made her a trusted

advisor and friend, forging lasting relationships with all those she helped. Joan valued keeping

both her mind and body active.

Joan’s passions were many. Joan was a member of numerous social and philanthropic clubs.

She was an accomplished seamstress, golfer, tennis player, and garden club member; a regular

Mah Jongg player; and she skied until the age of 70. Everyone knew Joan loved the beach. After retirement, she and her late husband split their time between their homes in Cape Cod and

South Florida. At the Cape she relished her time spent at the beach and socializing with her many friends. In Florida, she loved living oceanfront and spending time with her three sisters.

Joan’s legacy lives on in her family. She leaves behind her two daughters, Kerry Dalton and her

husband Terence of Falmouth, MA, and Julie Lagesen of Portland, OR, as well as her son, John

Donovan, and his wife Susan of Altadena, CA. Joan was the proud grandmother of eight

cherished grandchildren: Alyssa, Molly, and Jack Dalton; Alexa, Landon, and Katherine

Lagesen; and Mia and Liam Donovan. She is also survived by her three loving sisters: Karen

Monte, Virginia Langevin, and Barbara Crotty.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Cape

Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd, Brewster, MA 02631, followed by a committal service at Oak

Ridge Cemetery, Route 134, South Dennis. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM in the church.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168,

Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.