Patricia Ann Donovan

Patricia (Pat) Ann Donovan, 94, of Elk Grove, California, passed peacefully at home of natural causes on July 27, 2026. Pat was a life long resident of Sacramento.

She was born to Michael and Marie Burke on March 11, 1932. She grew up in the Land Park neighborhood. Pat attended St. Joseph’s Academy. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State College. She became a credentialed teacher. She was a long time Kindergarten teacher at David Reese Elementary School.

Pat married Denis F. Donovan in 1955. They enjoyed a loving lifetime (60 years) together until his passing in 2015. Pat and Denis settled in South Sacramento where together they raised an active family. Pat was constantly involved in the activities and interests of her children and later of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the center of the family and everything gravitated towards her.

Pat was a devout Catholic whose faith was her guide. She was a founding member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish. She had a lifetime love of Lake Tahoe and enjoyed countless days at her Emerald Bay cabin. Pat was kind, patient, wise, selfless and funny. She truly lived a remarkable life. Her family adored her.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Denis, her sister Barbara, and her loving cousins Russell and Rosemary.

She had six children: Katie King (Larry), Denis Donovan. John Donovan (Judy), Mary Haase (Dennis), Margaret Donovan (deceased), and Joseph Donovan. Pat had 13 grandchildren: Sarah, Sean, Ryan (Jen), Megan (John), Max, Megan, Patrick (Keerthi), Colleen, Erin (Joseph), Kathleen, Thomas, Margaret and Abigail. She also had five great grandchildren: Gabriel, Connor, Dylan , Emma and Madison.

A rosary for Patricia will be said on Thursday September 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church on Land Park Drive in Sacramento. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church. A burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The family would like to offer our sincere thanks to Eartha Williams and Carol Patterson for the amazing care and kindness provided to Mom over these last number of months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s name to the charity of your choice.