MARIE A. DONELAN (nee Hovan), age 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 10, 2021. Marie was the beloved wife of the late Raymond T, the loving mother and mother-in-law of Robert (Char), James (Nancy), Patricia Brown (Steven), Kathleen, Thomas (Ginny), and Debra (Tony Leahy); cherished grandmother of Brian, Patrick, Megan, and Michael Donelan; Erin (Matt) Ricciardi, Brittany (Bobby) Davis, Danielle Donelan (Kevin); Lauren Brown, Sean Brown, and Katelyn (Alastair) Steyn; and Connor, Emmie, and Brandon Donelan; wonderful great-grandmother of Addison Marie and Bennett Ray Ricciardi, and Aubrey Mae and Macey Ann Davis; daughter of the late Susan (nee Petkac) and John Hovan; sister of the late John Hovan (Helen) and Raymond Hovan (Kay); sister-in-law of Kay Haneline and the late Dorothy Donelan, John (Nancy) Donelan, and Mike Haneline; loving aunt and great-aunt of many.

Marie was born in 1935 and grew up in Lakewood, Ohio. She married the love of her life, Ray, in 1956. Ray passed away in 1993 after nearly 37 years of an incredible marriage. It brings peace knowing they are finally reunited. Marie and Ray met at St. Michael's High School in Cleveland, and attended their senior prom together. She also met her lifelong best friend in high school, the late Patricia Briggs, who was like a sister to her.

While raising their family, Marie was a bookkeeper for Ray's business, Erin Concrete, Inc. In her mid 40's, after her youngest child started school, she attended nursing school and became a registered nurse. Marie worked in the postpartum unit at Fairview General Hospital, and was loved by her patients, especially her daughter-in-law when Marie's first granddaughter was born. She was always caring for others, and Ray jokingly called her "Florence" after Florence Nightingale.

Following her career at Fairview, Marie continued to work in the medical field auditing patient records for UASI, working full-time into her early 70's. Throughout her career she had a number of co-workers who became dear friends.

She loved to sew and read in her free time, and was an avid Cleveland sports fan. She and Ray loved to travel to Florida with their family. Marie was a trend-setter in binge-watching by taping 'All My Children' while she was at work to watch later. Marie was proud of her Slovak heritage. She kept her mom's baking traditions alive by baking nut roll and pagachi with her family each Christmas, and teaching her children and grandchildren so they may continue this tradition.

Marie was a strong advocate for her daughter who has an intellectual disability. She and Ray spent many hours volunteering and fundraising for Our Lady of Angels Special School. They advocated at the state level for increased services, including school transportation, for individuals with disabilities.

She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events and spending time together at family gatherings. Her grandchildren later learned that one of her special talents was impersonating Santa Claus over the phone on Christmas Eve so they would go to bed on time. Marie's love continued with her great-grandchildren who brought her much joy.

Marie was a loyal friend and had a very close friendship for many years with Marion Paugh, a neighbor who became like family. Most recently, Marie became fast friends with Judy Winke. Marie and Judy were always spotted together in their assisted living home, walking, talking, and laughing, and were a great support to one another the past 2 years.

Funeral Mass Friday, April 16, St. Richard Church (26855 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted) at 11 A.M.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  Family and friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD., THURSDAY 5-7 P.M.  Please observe all Covid-19 safety guidelines.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Welcome House, Inc. Welcome House provides direct caregiving support and other services for adults with disabilities, including Marie's daughter. Checks can be sent to following address:

Welcome House, Inc.

802 Sharon Drive, Suite A

Westlake, Ohio 44145

Information to donate online can be found here: https://www.welcomehouseinc.org/donate/

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Chambers Funeral Homes Facebook page (link to our Facebook page below):

https://www.facebook.com/Chambers-Funeral-Homes-1560347080741913