Patricia A. Donovan

"Quaboag Hills Chamber 2015 Citizen of the Year Dies at 84 Patricia A. Donovan, 84, a Palmer Public Library Board member emeritus and the long- time volunteer coordinator of The Loft, the library's used book store, died on June 3 at her home on Squier St. in Palmer. In recognition of Donovan's contributions to the community, on April 25, 2015, the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce (QHCC) named her its 2015 Citizen of the Year. As a library board member, she took part in lobbying efforts at the Statehouse to secure more funding for the library's programs. As a member of The Friends of the Palmer Public Library, she guided the efforts of the volunteers who staffed the used book store, The Loft. Over the past decade, The Loft has raised approximately $30, 000 to help support library and literacy programs in Palmer. Born in Palmer on July 31, 1930 to Lawrence E. and Kathryn H. (Hoyle) Woodgate, Donovan grew up in Monson, graduating from Monson High School in 1948. She married William R. Donovan in 1951and they made their home in Palmer. He died in 1995. After Donovan's retirement from a long career in retail and health care administration, she assumed a new role as a determined advocate and tireless volunteer for the Palmer Public Library. Donovan is survived by her son Michael and his wife Diane of Pomona, N.Y., her cousin Richard Hoyle and his wife Cathy of Oneonta, NY and her cousins Michele and Chloe Sakow of Closter, N.J. Calling hours will be Sunday, June 7 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, (Rte 20). A Funeral Mass will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1076 Thorndike St, Palmer. Friends may gather at the funeral home or meet directly at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Collection at the Palmer Public Library, 1455 N. Main St., Palmer, 01069 to honor her memory. "