Judith M. Donovan

WESTMINSTER -  Judith M. Donovan, 80, of 29 School Street, Winchendon, and a former longtime resident of Westminster, died peacefully Saturday afternoon, March 23, 2019 at her residence, with her family by her side.

She was born in Gardner on July 2, 1938, daughter of the late Daniel and Marjorie (Parker) Donovan.  Judy grew up in Gardner, graduating from Gardner High School with the Class of 1956.  She later attended Mt. Wachusett Community College.

Judy had worked as the city newspaper editor for the Fitchburg Sentinel and then for the Brockton Enterprise.  She later traveled the world in her occupation as a tour director until her retirement.  She had lived in Westminster for many years, eventually moving to Fitchburg for five years until moving to Winchendon a few months ago.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends who remember her as a vibrant and colorful soul. She loved bird watching, animals and nature and believed that all living things were sacred and had a special meaning.

She leaves four children, Craig Loescher of Fairhaven, Bruce Loescher of Westminster, Barbara Anderson and her husband Sean of Winchendon and Linda Rice of Gardner; seven grandchildren, Amy Rice, Spencer Loescher, Katie Broome, Kellie Broome, Rowan Anderson, Evelyn Gurney and Russell Gurney and a great granddaughter, Fiona Walsh, several cousins and nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by a daughter, Brenda Loescher, a sister, Patricia Nadeau, and her granddaughter Adele Gurney.

A simple graveside service will be arranged later in the spring in Riverside Cemetery, West Townsend.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, 381 Baldwinville Road, Templeton, MA 01468 or to the MA Audubon Society, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com