Florence Donovan

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Szczur) Pedro she was a lifelong area resident.

Early in her career, Mrs. Donovan worked in various office settings, (Dr. Arthur Wiseman, Dr. Irwin Jaslow and Dr. Gilbert Shapiro, and Dr. Arthur Motta) but most folks will remember and recognize Florence from her 43-year tenure at Motor Sport Accessories Corp. on Route 6 in Westport. Motor Sport customers loved, respected, and adored Florence - aka “Mom.” She excelled in sales and customer service but was well known for her ability to help fit customers with the right helmet. One customer commented: “You really haven’t experienced buying a helmet unless you’ve done it with Mom.”

Florence enjoyed all Boston and New England sports teams. She particularly enjoyed going to live events, including the year the Red Sox won the World Series and a NBA playoff game between the L.A. Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Flo also loved spending time at the beach working on her tan and doing crossword puzzles, going to plays, listening to music and dancing (particularly to a good old fashioned polka). When it came to food, Florence always had an excellent appetite. She just loved to eat, especially “sweets.”

She is survived by her children, J. Kevin Donovan of Plymouth and Jo-Ann Cole and her husband Richard of Winthrop, ME; her sister-in-law Evelyn Pedro and many nieces and nephews. Florence was predeceased by her brothers John Pedro (wife Barbara) and Raymond Pedro, as well as her best friend Bertha Parmenter.

Her funeral will be Friday, June 13, 2025 at 9 a.m. from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Westport Council on Aging, 75 Reed Rd.,

Westport, MA 02790 or www.westport.frienscoa.org. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-