Sr. Bernedette Mary Donovan, OSF

Born:                          Janet Marie Donovan, March 19, 1932, in Utica, NY

Died:                           August 25, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

Daughter of:              Gerald and Anne O’Hare Donovan, Utica, NY

Sr. Bernadette entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on February 2, 1951; was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1951, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1958. She joyfully lived the Mission and Charism of the Franciscan Sisters for over 72 years.

Bernadette attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar and Utica Catholic Academy, Utica, NY.  After entering the Congregation, Bernadette attended St. Elizabeth Teacher’s College, graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.  She also received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music with a minor in Voice from Nazareth College, Rochester, NY, and a Master of Science Degree in Theology/Sacred Science from St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, NY.

Bernadette’s ministry in education included teaching in Congregational Schools in Florida, New York, and New Jersey.  She also served as Principal at Sacred Heart as well as Superior of the Convent, Homestead, FL; Corpus Christi, Miami, FL; St. Paul’s, St. Petersburg, FL and St. Patrick’s in Catskill, NY.  Sr. Bernadette also served as Regional Minister for Region I, residing at Blessed Sacrament Convent, Utica, NY.

A lifelong learner, Bernadette studied business/organizational management, educational administration and musical instruction.  She maintained professional affiliations with educational, philanthropic and religious organizations.  Bernadette enjoyed reading, playing the piano, singing and spending time with her Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

Bernardette worked part time for the St. Elizabeth Mission Society, providing assistance with administrative duties and served as the organist and liturgist for the Motherhouse. 

Sr. Bernadette is predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Anne O’Hare Donovan; brothers: The Reverend Monsignor William Donovan and Gerald Francis Donovan, who died in infancy; sisters: Sr. Mary Lourdes Donovan, OSF and Sr. Geraldine Donovan, OSF, both Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.  She is survived by a brother, The Rev. James Michael Donovan and several cousins. 

A wake service is scheduled for Friday, September 1, 2023 at 4:00 pm in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 9:30am. in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.  Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.  For condolences, please visit

www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.