Elizabeth Donovan, 89, of Methuen, MA passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026 at Port Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Bette grew up in Methuen and she was a proud lifelong member of her community. She graduated from Tenney High School and continued her education at Lowell Teachers College, now known as UMass Lowell where she prepared for her lifelong calling in education. She dedicated many years to teaching at Saint Monica’s School in Methuen, nurturing generations of young students with patience, kindness and love of learning.

Bette found great joy in her creative hobbies. An accomplished knitter, she lovingly crafted baby outfits—complete with sweaters, hats, and booties—for many children in her family and community. She was also a talented quilter, creating personalized quilts as thoughtful gifts tailored to each recipient’s interests. Her handmade treasures remain cherished keepsakes for those fortunate enough to receive them.

Bette had a deep love for the beach and frequently visited Nubble Lighthouse, where she found peace and happiness by the water. Bette was the life of any celebration. At weddings and family gatherings, she was always on the dance floor, enthusiastically joining in favorites like the Chicken Dance and the Hokey Pokey, bringing laughter and energy to everyone around her. Bette especially treasured every moment with her beloved grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable happiness.

She was predeceased by her children, Jerome Donovan III and Patricia Motta, her parents, Edward and Aldona Dawson, and her siblings, Virginia Galluccio and Ronald Dawson.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Jerome Donovan, Jr. of Methuen; her loving children, Beth Faro and her husband Michael of Salem, NH, Jeanne Troy of Methuen, MA, Peggy Schmidt and her husband, Mark of Merrimac, MA, and Thomas Donovan and his wife, Claudine of Salem, NH; her sister, Faith Flaherty and her husband, Richard of Franklin, MA, her cherished grandchildren, Brittany, Lindsey, Alicia, Thomas, Rebecca, Danielle, Nicolas, Mark and Jacob, her great-grandchildren, T.J, Perry, Delilah, Parker and Jordan, and several nieces and nephews.

Bette will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, dedicated teacher, and gifted seamstress whose kindness was reflected in every stitch she made and every life she touched. Her legacy of love, compassion, and selfless giving will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com