Obituary and memorial service information for Anne Donovan
From Andrews Funeral Home in Wilmington, NC:
Anne Theresa Donovan died unexpectedly on June 13, 2018. She was born November 1, 1961 in Ridgewood, NJ to the late Joseph A. Donovan and the late Anna Donovan Matthews.
Anne was preceded in death by her stepfather Gerald T. Matthews, brother, Joseph A. Donovan, Jr. and nephew, T.J. DiPiano.
Anne was an extraordinary basketball player and coach. Highlights of her many collegiate and professional basketball achievements include her induction into the GTE/COSIDA Academic Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Anne was most proud of representing the USA as a member of three Olympic teams including the 1984 and 1988 gold medal squads. Anne was head coach of the 2008 gold medal team in Beijing, China and coached the Seattle Storm to a national championship in 2006.
Anne was known for her strong faith, courageous spirit and a giving heart. She was valued in her personal and professional relationships for her character, integrity, humility and kindness. She will be remembered by the many people whose lives she touched for her generous spirit.
Anne is survived by her brothers and sisters Kathleen Donovan (Larry Orlick), Michele DiPiano (Thomas DiPiano), Kevin Donovan (Jennie Donovan), Patrice O’Donnell (George O’Donnell), Mary Grab (John Grab) and John Donovan (Sharon Donovan), nieces and nephews Katie Donovan, Eric Donovan (Amanda Donovan), Meaghan DiPiano, Caitlin O’Donnell, Patrick O’Donnell, Bridget O’Donnell, Jessica Grab, Joseph Grab, Sarah Ashley, Katherine Ashley, Rachael Ashley, Emily Donovan, Meredith Donovan, and grandnephew Eric DiPiano. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice. Some of Anne’s favorites included the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, Meals on Wheels (Wilmington, NC), Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW), Pender County Humane Society (NC) and Operation Top Cat in Sneads Ferry, NC.
The family will be receiving relatives and friends on June 28, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood, NJ. A public celebration of Anne’s life will take place at Paramus Catholic High School, Paramus, NJ on Saturday June 30, 2018 at 3:00 PM, followed by a reception in the gym.
A second memorial honoring Anne will be hosted by her family for her area neighbors and friends in early August in Wilmington NC.
