Eleanor Jean Donovan

BREWSTER - Eleanor J. (Egasti) Donovan, 92, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2018, at Pleasant Bay Nursing Home in Brewster. She was the wife of the late Thomas J. Donovan and is survived by her sister Rose Wilde and many nieces and nephews. She was born and raised in Wellesley, the youngest of six children. After graduating from Wellesley High School, she enjoyed working as a receptionist at Filene's in Wellesley Square. Then she was a secretary at Sylvania in Waltham, where she met Tom, and after they married she moved to Dedham. She was secretary to the Dedham High School principal until her retirement. After that she worked part-time at the Boston legal firm Nutter McClennen & Fish. She also volunteered in Dedham, and served as president of the Women's Sodality at St. Mary's Church. She was an avid Red Sox fan and at age 89 attended her last game at Fenway .

In 1968 Ellie and Tom built a home in Brewster where each summer they enjoyed playing golf as members of the Captains Course and spending time with family and friends. Both of them were active in their neighborhood association and served on the board of directors. They eventually moved to the Cape year 'round, and Ellie was busy with three bridge groups and many activities at the senior center. After Tom died Ellie moved into his apartment at Maplewood Assisted Living, where she thrived.

Her family and friends remember her as always cheerful and smiling. She grew up speaking Italian and was her family's link to cousins in northern Italy, where she had visited several times. She also had an uncanny knack for remembering important dates, recalling everyone's anniversaries and birthdays with ease. She was a vibrant, loving woman who really enjoyed life.

Her funeral mass will be at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 28. There are no calling hours. Burial at the Bourne National Cemetery will be private.

Donations in Ellie's memory may be made to the Brewster Ladies' Library, 1822 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631. For online condolences, please visit www.doanebealames.com.