Marsha Kramer Donovan

Marsha Frances Kramer Donovan, at age 93, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 10. She was born in Mt. Carmel, PA on November 25, 1922. She grew up in Mt. Carmel, with her sister Agnes, and brothers Leonard, John (Jack), and James. She attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA for two years before returning to Mt. Carmel to care for Agnes, who died at 21 from a heart condition. She was the secretary to the head of the Language Department at Cornell University when she met Charles J. Donovan, whom she married on her birthday in 1948, in Mt. Carmel. They first lived in New York City (Stuyvesant Town) before moving to Montclair, New Jersey, to raise their growing family. Charles joined the M. W. Kellogg Co. in 1954, and during his twenty-six years with the firm, Marsha often accompanied him in travelling all over the world. The family relocated to Texas in 1970, living first in Nassau Bay, then moving to the Austin Hill Country, Lago Vista, and later Lakeway. Marsha was a devoted wife of 62 years to her husband and dedicated mother to her seven children, all graduates of the University of Texas at Austin. Marsha was a devout Catholic, faithfully attending services and involved in many women’s activities. She volunteered regularly with the Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop. She enjoyed sailing with her husband and children and was an avid golfer, being very proud of her Hole in One at the Lakeway Golf Course.

Without question Marsha’s greatest love and proudest work was the raising of her seven children, and being a grandmother to her twenty grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was always there for her family, and tirelessly supported her children, and did so exceedingly well. Words cannot describe the love and care she exhibited as a wife and mother, fulfilling in every way her calling in life.

Marsha is preceded in death by her husband Charles, at age 88 in 2009, and grandson Jorge, 39 in 2014. She is survived by her daughters, Laurie Donovan and husband Philip Drake, and Marcie (Donovan) Goltz and husband Jason; her sons Casey and wife Barbara, Tom and wife Vicki, Michael and wife Patty, Greg and wife Peachy, John and wife Leasa; 19 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Emmaus Catholic Church, 1718 Lohmans Crossing Rd., Lakeway, Texas 78734. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Austin at (512)342-4700.