Marblehead ……

Rita Claire Donovan age 65, a well known local artist, died at home Thursday morning, May 26, 2011.


Born in Boston , the daughter of Rita M. (McCluskey) Donovan of Lawrence and the late Francis L. Donovan, she was raised in Methuen , graduating from Tenney High School . Miss Donovan then continued her education to become a Court Stenographer and later earning her Bachelor's Degree from Salem University in the Class of 2001, she also was employed as an usher at the Boston Garden.


Rita took great pride in her professional responsibilities, but her true passion was her art. Her talent was apparent in several mediums including both oils and pastels and she constantly challenged herself as a member of several local art associations.


In addition to her mother, she is survived by a brother Leonard Donovan and his wife Theresa of Port Orange, FL; two nephews Kevin Donovan and his wife Kathleen and Keith Donovan and his wife Heidi and a niece Darlene Donovan; her grand nieces and nephews Korey, Kasey, Kelsey, Konnaugh, Megan and Jack Donovan.


She was predeceased by a brother John Donovan.


Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 9:00 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave. Marblehead, MA 01945. Visiting hours are on Tuesday May 31, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Internment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Great Boston, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102 Danvers, MA 01923 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 For additional information or online guest book call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com