Mrs. Helen Bernetta Donovan, widow of the late Frank Donovan of Renous, NB, passed away Wednesday morning, January 5, 2011 at the Miramichi Regional Hospital at the age of 97. Born November 13, 1913 in Semiwagon Ridge, NB, she was the daughter of the late Peter H. Esson and the late Theresa Esson (Ivory). She attended Provincial Normal School in 1928 and furthered her education, attending St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB. She taught at local area schools including McKinleyville School, Semiwagon Ridge School, Doyle's Brook School, Lower Barnaby School, Renous New Settlement School, Blackville Elementary School, retiring as principal of the Quarryville Elementary School after thirty-seven and a half years of service, at the age of 59. She was a member of the Catholic Women's League (CWL) in Renous, NB, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the New Brunswick Retired Teachers Association, Miramichi branch. She worked to support the Canadian War Effort in Ottawa, ON from 1940 to 1945. Matriarch and educator, she also actively participated in the family's lumber business. She is survived by two daughters, Anne Mahoney (Edgar) of Renous, NB and Maria Donovan - Simpson (William) of Renous, NB, five sons, Peter Donovan (Elsie) of Quispamsis, NB, Francis Donovan (Theresa) of Fort McMurray, AB, Brian Donovan (Clara) of Fort McMurray, AB, Richard Donovan (Delores) of Edmonton, AB, Hubert Donovan (Karen) of Renous, NB, two sisters, Evelyn Butler (Frank) of Quispamsis, NB and Katherine Esson of Saint John, NB, 23 grand children and six great grand children. She is predeceased by sisters, Irene, Mary, Carmel, and brothers, Harold, Hubert, Joseph, and Leighton.
Mrs. Helen Bernetta Donovan is resting at St Bridget's Parish, 12 St Bridget's Crescent, Renous, NB with visitation Saturday, January 8, 2011 and Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2:00PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00PM to 9:00PM. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Bridget's Parish on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM, with Mon. Joseph Woods officiating. In Helen's memory donations to a memorial of ones choice would be appreciated. Arrangements are in care of Davidson's Funeral Home (622-7464) or contact us at www.davidsonsfh.com your family owned - family operated funeral home.