Joan (Carroll) Donovan

With great sadness, the family of Joan Carroll Donovan, age 91, announces her peaceful passing on February 20, 2026 in Glen Mills, PA, where she was surrounded by her family. She was born December 31, 1934 in Boston, MA to the late Joseph E. Carroll and Gertrude Bunszel Carroll.

Joan, wife of James M. Donovan for 8 years, was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, George E. Donovan; her brothers Michael J. Carroll and Paul J. Carroll; and her sister Barbara Carroll Brow.

Joan is survived by two daughters, Rosemarie D. Baker (Bradley) of Harwichport, MA and Denise M. Donovan of Fairfax, VA; two sons, Christopher M. Donovan (Kathrin) of Veitshöchheim, Germany and Timothy M. Donovan (Michelle) of Waxhaw, N.C.; several grandchildren: Taylor D. Baker, Morgan L Baker (Asher), Madison M. Baker, Audrina Donovan and Piper Donovan, as well as one great-granddaughter, Daphne Rose Bogart. She also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Upon graduating in the first class of women from Boston College’s School of Education in 1956, Joan taught in the Randolph public schools for several years. After the arrival of her first child, she became a homemaker, raising her four children in Sharon, which was her greatest joy. She was the impetus behind many extended family gatherings and was the bond that kept everyone together.

Her love and compassion reached well beyond her family. Her support for the Pro-Life movement was unwavering, having adopted her two sons, Christopher and Timothy. Over the course of many years, she opened her home to more than 50 people who needed a place to stay – from young women who were pregnant, to those who suffered from domestic abuse. There was always room at the dinner table or a place to stay in the Donovan home. It was a place of refuge and hospice for many.

She was the organizer of the “Now and Then Club”, a group of fellow Boston College classmates that would get together now and then, which forged lifelong friendships. At her condominium complex in Stoughton, she greeted all new-comers and was known as the mayor at Ames Pond. Her kindness and compassion followed her to Pennsylvania where she continued to visit the infirm, pray with them and raise their spirits.

She was known for her love of Christ, compassion for others, her sense of humor and infectious laugh. Hers was a life well lived and she will be dearly missed by all. May you rest in peace, Joan.

Visiting hours will be held at the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt 27) Stoughton, MA 02072 on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 4-7 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 59 Cottage St. Sharon, MA 0206 on Friday May 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Rock Ridge Cemetery, 101 East St, Sharon, MA 02067.

In lieu of flowers: Donations may be made to Preborn, P.O. Box 78221, Indianapolis, IN 46278 Tel: 800-941-0151; www.preborn.com. You may donate over the phone or online in Joan’s memory. She was a strong advocate for the sanctity of human life and a proponent of adoption.