Obituary of Helen Donovan

Helen Donovan May 13, 1923 - April 4, 2010 Goshen, New York Helen Donovan of Goshen passed away April 4, 2010 while at her home away from home, Naples, Florida. Born in Middletown, New York, on May 13, 1923, Helen was the daughter of Arthur V. Priest and Mary McKane Priest. While she grew up in Middletown, fate would bring her to Goshen to meet and, on September 16, 1950, marry, the love of her life, Joseph R. Donovan. Together they would make their home in Goshen and lovingly raise their three children. Helen was active in a variety of community organizations that were dear to her heart. She volunteered her time with Arden Hill Hospital and Meals on Wheels and served for many years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Cerebral Palsy Association (now known as Inspire). During the height of World War II, Helen achieved the distinction of being the first female bank teller in Orange County when she was hired by the National Bank of Middletown. Above all else, however, her life was dedicated to her family. She was a source of unlimited love, guidance and support for her husband, her children and her grandchildren. Her memory will be forever cherished. Helen is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Joseph, at home. She is also survived by her three children, son Joseph Jr., his wife Mei Chou and their children James and Matthew of Vienna, Virginia; daughter Marianne of West Hartford, CT; son David, his wife Julia and their children Daniel and Conor of Goshen; numerous nieces and nephews as well as her cousins Margaret Barone, Charles McKane and Danny Kolbe all of Middletown. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Arthur J. Priest and Paul Priest. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday April 9 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 71 Murray Avenue, Goshen, New York. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery. Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com