Erika M. Donovan
July 24, 1925 — November 11, 2015
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Erika M. Donovan
Erika Magdalena Donovan passed away peacefully in Franconia, NH on November 11, 2015. She was 90 years old.
The eldest of four and daughter of Helene (Balde) Lasutschinkow and Peter Lasutschinkow, Erika was born in Danzig, Germany on July 24, 1925. Her family later relocated to Hochstadt, Germany. While working at the Berlin Airlift, she met the love of her life, Lieutenant William Jeremiah Donovan. In December 1948, William had Erika flown to the United States where they were married shortly after on February 28, 1949. They resided in Springfield, Massachusetts for over 25 years with their family.
Erika was a devoted wife and mother. She showered everyone with kindness, believed that manners made friends and that laughter was the best medicine. Her cooking was like no other. It was always made with love, not just because she would tell you, but you could taste it. Her apple, blueberry and chicken pot pies were legendary. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, crocheting, needlepoint, swimming, and a good game of Trouble. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Music and singing were a daily part of her life which she enjoyed up until shortly before her death. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and singing will never be forgotten.
Erika was predeceased by her husband William Donovan, her brothers Paul Lasutschinkow of Dayton Beach, FL and Gregor Lasutschinkow of Dolan Springs, AZ. Erika is survived by her brother Hubert Lasutschinkow of Hanau, Germany; three children: Karen Plate and husband Lawrence Plate of Franconia, NH, Peter Donovan and wife Kathleen Donovan of Derry, NH, and Lillian Pirog of Litchfield, NH.
She was the most nurturing soul and the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Michael Plate of Acton, MA, William Donovan of Nashua, NH, Michael Pirog of San Francisco, CA, Erika Pirog of Portsmouth, NH, Christopher Donovan and Kevin Donovan of Bonaire, GA, Gregory Plate of Burlington, MA; great-grandchildren Ella and Logan Plate of Acton, MA.
Services: A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Rd. Springfield, MA on Monday, November 23 at 10am. Burial will follow immediately at St. Michael's Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association.
She will be missed, but never forgotten.
The eldest of four and daughter of Helene (Balde) Lasutschinkow and Peter Lasutschinkow, Erika was born in Danzig, Germany on July 24, 1925. Her family later relocated to Hochstadt, Germany. While working at the Berlin Airlift, she met the love of her life, Lieutenant William Jeremiah Donovan. In December 1948, William had Erika flown to the United States where they were married shortly after on February 28, 1949. They resided in Springfield, Massachusetts for over 25 years with their family.
Erika was a devoted wife and mother. She showered everyone with kindness, believed that manners made friends and that laughter was the best medicine. Her cooking was like no other. It was always made with love, not just because she would tell you, but you could taste it. Her apple, blueberry and chicken pot pies were legendary. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, crocheting, needlepoint, swimming, and a good game of Trouble. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Music and singing were a daily part of her life which she enjoyed up until shortly before her death. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and singing will never be forgotten.
Erika was predeceased by her husband William Donovan, her brothers Paul Lasutschinkow of Dayton Beach, FL and Gregor Lasutschinkow of Dolan Springs, AZ. Erika is survived by her brother Hubert Lasutschinkow of Hanau, Germany; three children: Karen Plate and husband Lawrence Plate of Franconia, NH, Peter Donovan and wife Kathleen Donovan of Derry, NH, and Lillian Pirog of Litchfield, NH.
She was the most nurturing soul and the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Michael Plate of Acton, MA, William Donovan of Nashua, NH, Michael Pirog of San Francisco, CA, Erika Pirog of Portsmouth, NH, Christopher Donovan and Kevin Donovan of Bonaire, GA, Gregory Plate of Burlington, MA; great-grandchildren Ella and Logan Plate of Acton, MA.
Services: A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Rd. Springfield, MA on Monday, November 23 at 10am. Burial will follow immediately at St. Michael's Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association.
She will be missed, but never forgotten.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Erika M. Donovan, please visit our flower store.
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