Joanne P. ( McDermott) Donovan

Joanne P. (McDermott) Donovan, age 87, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at Boston Medical Center South after a long period of failing health. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul F. Donovan with whom she shared 53 loving years of marriage before his passing in 2012. Born, raised, and educated in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Thomas McDermott and Anne (Ross) McDermott, and graduated from St. Patrick’s School in West Roxbury. Entering the workforce immediately out of high school, she worked as a secretary at the Catholic Boys Guidance Center, where she met the love of her life Paul. She went on to work at Shaw’s on Belmont Street in Brockton for over 20 years as a clerk at the service desk, where she took pride in her job and enjoyed the work she was able to do daily, retiring in 2008 at the age of 70. In between her various jobs she was a stay-at-home mom taking care of her home and family. She was a devoted wife, mother and Grammy, who loved watching all Boston Sports teams, soap operas and gameshows on TV, and spending time with her cats Malibu and Kitty.

Joanne is survived by her children Maryann D. Clifford and her husband Richard of Marshfield, Jeanmarie Foley and her husband Robert of Brockton, Paul F. "Chip" Donovan, Jr. and his wife Laura of West Bridgewater, and Karen M. Donovan-Chismer and her husband Robert Chismer of Brockton and was preceded in death by her daughter Christine J. Donovan. She was the beloved Grammy to Abby and Olivia Clifford, Keri, Meghan and Ryan Foley, Alyson and Riley Donovan and Tyler, Emily, and Bridget Chismer, and her great-grandchildren Kaedyn and Kinsley. She also leaves behind cherished nieces. She is predeceased by her siblings, Thomas, Robert and Carole McDermott and Anne Fiore.

Family services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to Hancock School PTA, 125 Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301.