Beverly Louise Donovan

Beverly Louise (Smith) Donovan, 84-years-old, of Quincy, Massachusetts, and longtime resident of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, died on July 5 in Des Moines, Iowa after a brief hospitalization. Beverly worked for Saint Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida for nearly forty years as an admitting supervisor until her retirement in 2016. There was not a single employee who didn't know Mrs. D. Not one to sit idly in retirement, Beverly became a volunteer for Jupiter Medical Center, where she briefly held the title of vice president of volunteers and developed fast friendships with many of the other volunteers and staff.

Beverly is remembered for her fashion sense, her joy in dining out with friends, her love of animals, the affection she had for her grandchildren, and her ability to come up with sayings that made no sense but which she considered common adages, such as, "Did you park in Japrika?"

Known as a "saucy grandma" by her grandchildren for her wit, devil-may-care attitude, extensive collection of Chico's travel sets, and stylish shoes, Beverly was rarely seen in public without makeup, her bright red lipstick, or perfectly styled hair. She would oftentimes rather wear a plastic shopping bag on her head during a rainstorm than risk ruining her coiffure. A devotee of Judge Judy, Law and Order: SUV, and Judge Mablean, and strict adherent to otherwise arbitrary schedules, Beverly required careful planning during outings to ensure she was back home in time for her favorite shows, which were usually accompanied by a Häagen-Dazs ice cream bar.

A proud native of Massachusetts, Beverly's move to Florida never dampened her love of New England or the strong family and emotional ties she felt for her native state. While she was less interested in travel than most, Beverly made frequent visits to her daughters and grandchildren in Maine and Georgia and even indulged in trips abroad when her daughters lived in Europe. Her devotion to family outweighed her desire for complete and utter control, a trait she so generously passed along to her daughters and granddaughters.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Hunter Smith, Jenni Louise (Grant) Smith; and two older brothers Hugh Hunter Smith Jr. and Harvey James Smith; and her devoted husband Lawrence Lincoln Donovan. She is survived by her three children, Christine Donovan-Hall, Kerrie Donovan Knowles, and Michael Donovan; six granddaughters, Shannon, Allison, Megan, Erin, Brooklyn, and Briella; and three great-grandchildren, William, Henry, and Nora.