Mrs. Millie O’Donovan, 77, of Ellijay, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at her home with her family by her side.
She was born July 9, 1944, in Chicago, Ill., to Martin and Martha Manz.
She met John (Jack) Peter O’Donovan in Chicago and they married Feb. 13, 1965, at St. Gall’s Roman Catholic Church.
Always the academic, she graduated as the class valedictorian from Thomas Kelly High School, Chicago, including a varsity letter award with the school Debate Society.
She started college but then took a break from school to raise her two sons and manage the bustling households in Chicago, then Springfield, Pa., and then Cranston, R.I.
She picked up her college education pursuit after her youngest son graduated college to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree, Phi Beta Kappa, class valedictorian, majoring in economics at the University of Rhode Island.
She was also a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda at URI and received a State of RI Senate Citation of Recognition for her academic achievement. During that education break, she was an active member of the League of Women Voters in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island; she was active in Cub Scouting as den leader; she was a valued member as a docent with the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, R.I., promoting various educational programs about conservation, the animals and their habitats.
She and Jack moved to Ellijay in 2005 to be closer to the grandchildren and her two sons who had relocated to the Metro Atlanta area already. She became an active member of the Coosawattee River Resort Board of Directors as secretary for three terms.
She enjoyed singing in the choir, reading all kinds of material, puzzles, Bible study, bear collecting (all sizes, all kinds), sewing, hearing about all the adventures of her grandchildren, family camping and later RVing with Jack, traveling throughout the U.S., including trips to Alaska and Hawaii, Canada and Ireland.
She is preceded in death by parents and sister, Marcella Pignato.
She is survived by husband of 56 years, Jack; son, John Peter and wife, Beth, of Roswell; grandchildren, John Patrick, Kathleen Helen and Corinne Schoen; son, James Patrick, of Gainesville, Fla.; brother-in-law, Carl Pignato, of Chicago; niece and nephew, Clarissa and Stephen; and grandnieces and grand-nephews.
She will be greatly missed by all.
A celebration of life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, at 2 p.m., with final resting place in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Susan G. Komen organization (https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/memorial-giving/) or the gift of books to your local library with a bookplate “in memory of Millie” is greatly appreciated.
Condolences can be made at www.loganfuneralhome.com.
Logan Funeral Home & Chapel is in charge of arrangements.