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Obituaries

DONOVAN

June 25, 2026
DONOVAN
0

Rosemarie (Barry) of Westwood, formerly of Mission Hill, Dorchester and Roslindale, affectionately known as Rosie from Rozzie, departed this life on June 16th, 2026. She leaves behind a loving family and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her warmth and humor. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Rosie dedicated more than 30 years of her life serving others as a social worker. Although her exact birth date is a subject of good-natured family debate, she was born on June 22nd, 1936, the seventh of Philip and Rosina (Piscatelli) Barry's 12 children. Rosie grew up in Mission Hill, Massachusetts and graduated from Mission Church High School in 1953. She then married Jeremiah Timothy Donovan, of Dorchester, in 1958 at Mission Church in Roxbury and they had 5 wonderful children together.

Determined to continue her education while raising her children at the same time, Rosie attended Fisher Junior College and later earned her Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College in 1986. She proudly became a licensed social worker, concentrating on Geriatric social work, helping countless individuals and families throughout her career. Rosie was known for her quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and gift for entertaining. She loved singing, dancing, and playing the piano, and she brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rosie is predeceased by her siblings John, Philip, Patricia, Vincent, and Paul Barry, Elizabeth Bent, Mary Condon and Helena Burrill and her daughter-in-law, Elayne Donovan. She is survived by her siblings Frank Barry, Joseph Barry, and William Barry. She also leaves her children Patricia D. Butler and her husband Michael of Boston, MA; Jeremiah Donovan of Norwood, MA; James Donovan of Walpole, MA; John Donovan and his wife Noreen of Norwood, MA; and Lorraine Dundon and her husband Paul of Walpole, MA. In addition, she is survived by 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, dozens of nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Rosie's legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply and the many lives she touched through her humor, kindness, and unwavering commitment to others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation services provided by Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Holy Name Church 1689 Centre St. West Roxbury. Interment at St. Joseph’s cemetery in West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Golf For All, https://golfforall.org P.O. Box 81246, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or to the Holy Cross Retreat House, https://www.retreathouse.org 490 Washington St. North Easton, MA 02356.

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