Maria O'Donovan

Dr. Maria J. O’Donovan passed away Friday, August 14, 2026 after a long illness. She was survived by her mother, Jeanne O’Donovan, who passed shortly after Maria. Maria is also survived by her cousins Wendy Toman and her family Jennifer (Michael) Stevenson, Christopher (Courtney) Stevenson and family; Rita (Marv) Crisp and their family Theri (Curtis) L’Hirondelle, Adrienne (Wayne) Howlette and family, Melanie (Todd) Detweiler and family, Andrew (Amy) Crisp and son.

She was predeceased by her father, Harry O’Donovan, and recent beloved pets Sam & Ben, as well as many others throughout her life.

Maria started her academic career as an undergraduate at SUNY Binghamton and completed her Ph.D. in anthropology there in 1997.

She began her archaeological career in 1987, working for the Public Archaeology Facility, a research center at Binghamton University. She quickly advanced to project director and then Assistant to PAF’s Director for historical research. Her field research centered on Cultural Resource Management projects, particularly in downtown Binghamton, including the BU Academic Center, Twin River Commons, and the BU Incubator site. Other field research involved the Cerro de Trincheras project in Northwest Mexico, and the Woodstock Music Festival project in Bethel Woods. Through her publications and professional presentations, she became a nationally and internationally known scholar.

Maria also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in anthropology at Binghamton University and directed a specialized Master’s program in Public Archaeology becoming a respected mentor for graduate students. She was a member of the Society for Historical Archaeology and the Council for Northeastern Historical Archaeology, serving a term as editor of the journal Northeast Historical Archaeology.

Maria loved antiques as well as art and hand crafts, particularly knitting, having a wonderful eye for color and texture. She valued her students and colleagues alike. Her time spent in the field, in the classroom, at conferences, or socializing were her happiest. Maria loved cooking and trying out new recipes. She especially loved hosting gatherings for her friends, family and colleagues. Maria was always one of the first to respond when help was requested for or by anyone, and she was wonderfully generous. Hers was indeed a life cut short and her loss is felt across a spectrum of loved ones, friends and colleagues.

The family will receive friends for a shared service for Maria and her mother, Jeanne, at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10-11 am with a Funeral Service to follow at 11 am. A Private burial will be held in the Chenango Valley Cemetery. Memorial donations in Maria’s name can be made to Binghamton University Anthropology Department, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902.