Shannon Donovan of Sarasota, more affectionately known as “Coach”, age 72, was taken from us suddenly due to COVID 19 on September 8 at SMH. She was an integral member of the Pineview School faculty from 1979-2013. Shannon leaves behind her devoted friend Gail Abrams, who was at her side as Shannon passed peacefully; Sullivan Swink, Rees Swink, her godson, Michaelanne Swink, Caleb Swink, and Brian Abrams were present as well. She is also survived by Kevin and Tabitha Abrams, and their children Tyler and Betsy Abrams from North Carolina and Brian’s children Kyle, Natasha, and Sasha Abrams.
Dr. Brenda George, a retired Pineview administrator and colleague had this to say about Shannon, “Shannon was always a clear example of the good in this world. She was always thinking about what she could do to benefit our school community as well as being an outstanding role model for students, whether it was building a house for Habitat for Humanity, or sponsoring hurricane relief for a school in Arcadia. Coach Donovan was a good person. She will continue to be a blessing to the many lives she touched. May she Rest in Peace.”
Dr. Stephen Covert, the current principal at Pineview, adds this, “…Coach Donovan’s passing is an opportunity for us to remember the power of the potential impact we can have on our students’ lives, and make the most of every second we have-with them, with each other, and with our families.”
A funeral mass and celebration of Shannon’s life will be held on October 1, 2021, at 10am, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 425 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Florida 34229. Reception immediately following at the Tillotson Hall (directly behind the church). In lieu of flowers, The Coach Donovan Memorial Scholarship has been established in Shannon’s memory. Checks payable in care of Pineview School, Coach Donovan Memorial Scholarship, 1 Python Path, Osprey, Florida 34229.
Live streaming will be available for the funeral mass.
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