HELEN M. DONOVAN, nee Gondert, 94, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late John E. Donovan; loving mother of Susan (Dave) Larson, Cynthia (Wayne) Layer, Raymond (Suzanne) Donovan and John (Clara) Donovan; dearest grandmother of Greg (fiancee Melanie Pakonen) and Kevin Larson, Matthew, Jennifer and Travis Layer and Elijah Donovan; devoted daughter of the late Rose (nee Finnegan) and late Frank Gondert; dear friend of many.
Helen retired as the Director of Educational Publications for Prevent Child Abuse America, a national nonprofit based in Chicago. She is a member of the Chicago Writers Association, a Bronze Life Master bridge player and sang professionally throughout Chicago and suburbs. She founded and served as president of the non-profits Arts Unlimited that provided live performances from music to Shakespeare to magic for institutionalized adults in Chicago and surrounding six counties and received the City of Chicago, Heart of Gold United Way volunteer award.
In 1999, Helen sang and recorded Forever Favorites, a collection of songs close to her heart. At the age of 87, Helen wrote and published her first book What Goes Around and then in 2020 her second book Yet to Know.
Helen was very fond of reading, music, cabaret theater, a good game of cards and dining out for good food with great company. She especially loved a glass of Cabernet and a sweet treat after dinner like tiramisu or ice cream. But the root of all her enjoyment was spending time with her loving family.
In memory of Helen, her family appreciates tribute donations to Brightpoint in her name. From their website, Brightpoint's mission statement is they "advance the well-being of children by investing in families to disrupt the systemic and multi-generational cycle of racial, social and economic inequality."