Anne Donovan Whalen (age 78), passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in the loving company of her family. Friends may call at the DeVol Funeral Home, 2222 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. (complimentary valet parking provided) on Thursday, June 22 from 6pm until 8pm. Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11 AM at Church of the Annunciation, 3810 Mass. Ave., NW. Interment will be private
A Bayonne, New Jersey native, Anne was born to Helen Lankford Donovan and Dr. Daniel Patrick Donovan. She graduated from Holy Family High School (Bayonne) in 1956 and Trinity University (Washington, D.C.) in 1960. She continued her academic pursuits receiving her Master’s in Education from Fordham University (New York City). She began her 46 year journey with her loving husband Thomas, moving together to DC in 1982.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Whalen, their daughter Honoré “Nora” Whalen Wager and her son-in-law David Wagner. She is also survived by her sister Helen Marie Grayson (Bill Grayson) and brother Daniel Patrick Donovan (Marcella Donovan), as well as nieces and nephews, Dan Donovan, Marcella Donovan Walker and Winifred Grayson.
She dedicated 19 years as a speech therapist in the New York City public school system before becoming a homemaker and mother. Anne continued to devote herself to many organizations and charities including the Annunciation parish, Nora’s schools, Meals on Wheels, the Sister Society of the Holy Child Jesus and many more.
Every day of her life was well spent, regaling her family and friends with her wisdom, her wit and her encyclopedia of stories. Anne’s memory will resound for decades, as she made us all better friends, devoted family members and stronger students. We will carry her lessons with us forever and will pass them along to future generations and our extended community. We love you dearly. Rest in peace.
