Donna Deem Donovan, 84, of Chester, VA, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. Born on July 7, 1941, in Ronceverte, WV, she was the daughter of the late James Deem and Carletta Honaker Deem.
Donna grew up in West Virginia and graduated from Greenbrier High School. She pursued her passion for caring for others by training at Winchester Memorial Hospital, beginning a nursing career that would span more than five decades.
Her professional journey began at the Medical College of Virginia and continued at the University of Virginia Medical Center for over 20 years. She concluded her distinguished nursing career with nearly 30 years of service at Chippenham Hospital, dedicating the last 20 years to postpartum care, helping countless new mothers and their babies. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of patients and colleagues alike with her gentle, compassionate presence.
Those who knew Donna remember her extraordinary kindness and remarkable calm. She had a gift for taking life’s challenges in stride, and always offering a steady, reassuring presence. Beyond her nursing career, she found joy in nature and landscaping, creating beauty in the world around her. She was an avid reader and, in her younger years, was active in her church, sharing her musical talents by playing the piano. In later years, she was a faithful member of Harrowgate Worship Center.
Family was at the heart of Donna’s life. Annual beach trips and holiday gatherings created cherished memories that her children and grandchildren will treasure forever.
Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Donovan; her children: Robin Pearce (Ken) of Denver, Colorado, and their sons Cole Pearce (Ines) and Donovan Pearce; Kathy Abell (Clark) of Crozet, Virginia, and their daughters Lucy and Eleanor Abell; Michael Donovan (Lauren) of Jupiter, Florida, and their son Andrew Donovan; and Aaron Donovan (Brooke) of Crozet, Virginia, and their sons William and Walter Donovan. She is also survived by her siblings: Linda Vance, David Deem, James Daniel Deem, and Jeannie Deem.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughters Reily Pearce and Carley Donovan.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Apr. 18, 2026, at River Road Presbyterian Church, 8960 River Road, Richmond, VA. A reception will follow the service.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte submitted these arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
