In Loving Memory

Irene Donovan (Kozlowski) of Memphis Tennessee (formerly of Penn Hills) passed away on June 24, 2012.  Irene was born on Polish Hill in 1921 and was a lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh area before joining her daughter in Memphis after the death of her husband William (Bill) Donovan in 2002.   Irene and Bill were married while he was a serviceman, when his service was complete the couple returned to Pittsburgh and settled on Mark Drive in Penn Hills.  

Irene was very involved in her community.  She served as a Eucharistic minister for many years at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.  Irene enjoyed volunteering at Jubilee Soup Kitchen.  The pro-life movement was a passion, Irene enjoyed attending rallies and meeting people and ministering to them along the way.  Gardening was a favorite pastime and each spring was spent planning her backyard garden and attending Garden Club functions.  Card club and the tight knit group of friends that Irene cultivated were also great joys in her life. 

The time spent on Mark Drive for the Donovan family brought them the joy of raising four children Irene is survived by her four children; Patricia (Richard) Goehlert of South Hamilton Massachusetts, Paul(Kathy)Donovan of Anthem Arizona,  Margaret “Peggy” (Fred) Decker of Memphis TN,  and Michael (Sharon) Donovan of Oakmont, PA.   Irene leaves eight grandchildren; Matthew Goehlert of Boston Massachusetts, Timothy (Rhiannon) Goehlert of Danvers Massachusetts, Heather (Tony) Leopard of Tempe Arizona, Ryan(Janelle)Donovan of San Diego California, Paul Decker of Melbourne Florida, Amanda Dixon of Arnold, PA, Emily (David) Callejo of Saginaw Michigan and Tyler Donovan of Oakmont, PA.   Seven great-grandchildren also survive Irene; Nicholas and Allison Leopard, Carter Goehlert, Lela and Ella Dixon, and Icie and Antonia Callejo.  The great grandchild count is due to rise to nine later this year a distinction that Irene would have surely wanted mentioned. 

Irene and daughter Patty.

Irene and daughters Patty and Margaret.

Irene and son Michael. 

Irene Christmas 1994, granddaughter Emily in the background.

Irene and grandson Tyler.

Irene's beautiful garden.

A full view of Irene's garden.

Close up of some of her great flowers.

Another great view of Irene's garden one of her last springs in Pittsburgh.

Irene gets help from grandson Tyler making a wish one birthday.

Irene and great granddaughter, Lela.

Irene with son Mike, grandson Paul, son-in-law Fred, grandson Tyler, and daughters Margaret and Patty.

Irene and son Mike during a visit in Memphis.

A much smaller garden, but a garden none the less.

Always the life of the party.

Celebrating 90 years!!

Irene and son Mike during her 90th birthday celebration.