Helen R. Donovan (1911-2011)

DONOVAN

Posted By: Padriag
Date: 7/2/2011 at 12:00:57

Helen Rose Donovan

Published: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 11:16 AM CDT
The Daily Nonpareil

Helen Rose Donovan died June 20, 2011, just eleven days before her 100th birthday. Helen was born July 1, 1911, to Timothy and Nora Donovan, in York, Township. She grew up on a farm near Bentley, Iowa, where she attended grade school and graduated from St. Joseph’s School in Neola. Helen attended Ottumwa Heights College and completed her degree at the University of Omaha. Helen’s life was dedicated to teaching young children.Although she did not have children of her own, she had a tremendous impact on hundreds and hundreds of children during her lifetime.

Helen’s teaching career began in Bentley. She later taught in Crescent and Missouri Valley. However, the majority of Helen’s teaching first graders was centered in Council Bluffs, where she taught at Harrison and Hoover Elementary schools. Although she retired in the mid-1970’s many of her students kept in contact with her inviting her to accompany them to class reunions, birthday parties and other family events.

Helen belonged to St. Patrick’s Parish and its Altar and Rosary Society in Council Bluffs. She was a member of Chapter GQ of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, the Council Bluffs Retired Teachers Association, and a lifetime member of the Iowa State Education Association.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Tim Donovan.

Helen is survived by her sister, Frances Hobbins, of Council Bluffs; six nieces and nephews, sixteen great nieces and nephews, and thirteen great-great nieces and nephews.

At Helen’s request her body has been donated to Creighton University School of Medicine for research. Internment and memorial Mass will be at a later date. Memorials in Helen’s name may be made to St. Albert Catholic Schools, 400 Gleason Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51503.