It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving mother Bette Donovan at the age of 83 on May 8th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family in Dryden, ON.

Bette was born in Chatham ON, raised in Bracebridge ON and lived in many places in Southern Ontario before she eventually made her way with her three children to Ear Falls in 1975 where she found her roots and a fulfilling life of being a member of the Legion (achieving a Lifetime membership), and many would remember her many years working at the Ear Falls Arena and volunteering at various community initiatives including many years organizing the July 1st celebrations and 27 years for the Terry Fox Run in which she was recognized by the Terry Fox Foundation and the Governor General in 2007. Mom always loved to play her beloved mahogany upright piano (and any other she could find) which was with her since she was four years old. In her last few years, she had moved to a seniors complex in Dryden ON to be closest to her youngest daughter and three grandchildren.

Her greatest passion was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in which her little family of four has blossomed into 19 and growing. She is survived by her daughter Cindi Donovan-McKenna (children Jake (Kelsey) and Cole), son John Donovan (Sheree and children Jasmine (Mike), Ariel (Dominic and great grandchild Ashton and one on the way) and Trey) and Melissa Donovan (Tyrone) and children Trista (Sam and great grandchild Phoenyx), Randi (Andy) and Carter.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a gathering in her honor at the Ear Falls, ON Legion on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 2-4 p.m.

A Private family interment will follow at the Ear Falls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ear Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 238, 40 John St, Ear Falls, ON P0V 1T0 or to the Terry Fox Foundation, 8960 University High St. Suite 150, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 4Y6

Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X