Vera Helen Donovan

Vera Helen (Schwerha) Donovan, 94, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2020, from complications of Parkinson's disease. Vera was the first born child of Rudolph Robert and Helen Ella (Chegin) Schwerha of Donora, Pennsylvania, sister of Ruth Irene (Schwerha) Lasko of Williamsburg, Virginia, and loving mother of William Robert Donovan of Gilbert, Arizona. Vera and Ruth (nickname Wootsie) grew up in Donora, Pennsylvania, above the Schwerha Funeral Home. The family was very active in St. Dominic Parish and community affairs. A graduate of Donora High School, Vera went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Duquesne University in 1947. The ensuing years were filled with much joy and sorrow. On November 22,1947, Vera married the love of her life. Dr. Joseph William Donovan of Dorchester, Massachusetts. In April 1949 the couple welcomed their only child, William Robert. Sadly, in mid 1950 "Dr. Joe" was diagnosed with a terminal illness and subsequently passed away in November of 1951. With the support of family and friends. Vera was able to persevere, raise her young son, and continue her education. She earned a Master's Degree in Nursing Education from Boston University in 1955, and pursued a career in nursing education and administration. Vera's distinguished career spanned four decades. She began as a Community Health Nurse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1947, then as a staff nurse in New York City and Pittsburgh. She went on to Duquesne University (Professor and Assistant Dean of the School of Nursing), The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.(Director of the Undergraduate Program, School of Nursing), the American Red Cross of Connecticut (Assistant Director, Community Health and Nursing Services), Winsted Memorial Hospital (staff nurse) and Rappahannock Community College (Program Director and Administrator, Practical Nursing Program) in Glenns, Virginia. The culmination of her career was at RCC where she developed and successfully implemented the Practical Nursing Program in 1986. She retired in 1987. In 1976, Vera moved from Pittsburgh, PA, to Winsted, CT. to be near Ruth and family. In 1984, Vera and Ruth moved to Williamsburg VA. They both were active members of St.Bede Parish where Vera was a member of the Women's Club and worked on the church bulletin. In 1998 Vera relocated to Arizona to be near her son and daughter-in-law where she continued to enjoy many community and church activities. Vera was preceded in death by her parents Rudolph and Helen Schwerha, her husband Dr. Joseph Donovan, and her sister Ruth Lasko. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law William and Susan Donovan, and a large extended family. Vera had a life-long love of learning and traveling, was an active member of the Roman Catholic community, and was much beloved by all who knew her. While her family and friends mourn her passing, she will always be remembered for her kind heart, her terrific sense of humor and her beautiful smile. Rest in Peace, Vera. We love and miss you. Celebration of life will be held in Colebrook, Connecticut. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury, Massachusetts.