1940 - 2023 Lewiston-Mary Elaine Donovan born in Gardiner, Maine Nov. 7, 1940, the daughter of Fred & Helen Donovan Sr. passed away Monday March 20, 2023 after a near life long battle with cancer. She was recovering from a broken hip when the cancer emerged again. She had battled cancer several times and won. Mary worked for many years at Lipman Poultry Company in Augusta until its' closing. She then moved on to a housekeeping position at Glen Ridge Nursing Facility until her retirement. She lived in the Lilac Lane Mobile Home Park in Augusta. She walked to work and back home in all types of weather, leaving her home at 4:00 AM in the morning to be on time for her job. Mary was gentle soul who never asked for anything that she couldn't afford by herself. She moved from Lilac Park to Chateau Cushnoc Elderly Housing Complex where she resided for the past 5 years. As a child, she worked right along with her Mom, Dad and 2 brothers to take care of the big vegetable gardens and 600 laying hens, never complaining. She always did what had to be done. Mary loved the old-style Country Western Music and had quite a collection of albums. She looked forward to attending the Country Western Shows that used to come to the Augusta area in years past. The love of her life was her beloved canine companions little Sammy, Sammy 2, Ginger & her last one, a little Shih Tzo, Sammy 3. She loved them dearly and cared for them just as if they were her children. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by a brother, Russell Donovan of Pittston, a nephew Fred Donovan the 3rd, John & David Greenleaf of Gardiner & West Gardiner who were like brothers as they were raised on the Donovan Farm with her. She is survived by a brother and sister in law, Fred & Evelyn Donovan Jr of South Paris, a niece, Shannon Donovan Puiia and husband Paul of Oakland, a gran niece, Elissia Eden Puiia, sister in law Judith Donovan of Florida, a niece Melanie Donovan Geneseo and children, a nephew, Richie Donovan and wife Cindy of Augusta and cousins from New Brunswick, Canada. Also many dear friends, loving health care workers and Sammy the Shih Tzo of South Paris. A graveside service will be planned for early summer at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Gardiner, Maine. In lieu of flowers, Mary would request that you make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com