Rita H. Donovan

Rita Helen (Findeisen) Donovan, 93, Green Bay, WI, passed away at the Country Arch Nursing Home, Pittstown, NJ, on Sept. 6, 2009, with her daughter, Sharon and son-in-law, John Wood, by her side. Rita passed away after a short, courageous battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 25, 1916, to the late John and Minnie (Dreyer) Findeisen. Rita was a lifelong resident of Green Bay and graduated from East High School.

She married Alwyn W. Donovan on October 20, 1937, at her family home on Jackson Street and for fifty years they were parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1987, with their family and friends. Rita was employed at Shilling Fish Co. before her marriage and later for the H.C. Prange Company until retiring in 1983. She enjoyed sailing, traveling, playing bridge, crocheting, baking, and spending time with her family. Rita will be sadly missed for her deep devotion to her family and friends.

Rita is survived by her two daughters and one son-in-law, Sharon and John Wood, of Annandale, NJ, and Kathleen Flaherty, of Thiensville, WI; and sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and JoAnn, of Kalispell, MT, and Steven and Sherry, of East De Pere, WI.; 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Al, her brother, Walter, and her grandchild, Sarah.

Rita’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Country Arch for the kind and gentle care given to their beloved mother and grandmother.

Friends may attend a Memorial Service at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Lebanon, N.J., on September 20th at 3PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.