Obituary of Deborah Jean Donovan

Deborah Jean (Clarke) Donovan, RN 71, Donkin / Glace Bay, N.S. It is with great sadness that the family of Debbie Donovan announce her passing on September 7, 2024, in the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Cecil and Isabel (MacLeod) Clarke. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brother David Clarke (NFLD) and her in laws Ron and Francis Donovan (Glace Bay). Debbie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ronnie Donovan, daughter, Amy Donovan, and son, Sean (Shirlyn) Donovan. She is also survived by the loves of her life, her grandchildren Sam Murphy, Mira and Demi Donovan. Debbie graduated from Donkin – Morien High School and The Victoria General School of Nursing. She worked as an RN for 40 years, starting at the VGH and ending her career at the Glace Bay General Hospital, where many lifelong friendships were made. Debbie will be fondly remembered by her long-time friends and relatives Aileen Peach, Helen Murphy, Joan MacMillan, Bev MacLeod, Valerie Wadden, Beryl Smart, Karen Cuzner and her special godchildren, Jared and Alisha. Debbie was a loving wife, mother, nanny, aunt, cousin and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends “out on the Mira” and her Thursday night teas with Karen. Debbie enjoyed nothing more than spending her time watching her grandchildren in all their extra curricular activities. She spent many years in rinks across the province with Sean and continued that passion supporting her grandchildren. There weren’t too many games she would miss. The family would like to thank the many dedicated family and friends who supported us during this difficult time. A special thank you to cousin Dr. Rob Wadden for going above and beyond and to his family for their love and support. We are also grateful for the incredible care provided by our medical community both in Sydney and Halifax, especially to her family doctor, Dr. Stephanie Elleker, Dr. Katherine MacInnes at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and to Dr. Blackman and the staff on 8A at the VG for their care and compassionate efforts to keep Debbie with us. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St Luke’s United Church Cemetery fund or to the Tom Mac Neil Cancer Care Fund in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 4-8 p.m., in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, Glace Bay, and a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Duncan Roach presiding, in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. Words of comfort may be expressed to Debbie’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.