Eleanor Donovan

Admired and adored by many, respected by all. She was the baby of 4 sisters, the 6th child of 7 until her brother, Earl was born, he was her first best friend. “Ellie” was energetic, quick-witted, classy, stunningly beautiful, and intelligent. Always stayed one step ahead of the next. 

Her parents were best friends that grew up in West End of Tortola, British Virgin Islands who migrated to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to raise their children in the historical neighborhood called Savan. There she attended Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School moving on to Addelita Cancryn Jr. High School. Later earned her High School Diploma at Charlotte Amalie in 1980. Upon graduation, her father got her into the banking industry with him. He knew how swift she was with numbers. She served at 1st Pennsylvania Bank and Chase Bank for numerous years. Eleanor was later offered an opportunity to work for the Supreme Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1990 to retire in 2014.  

Eleanor may have worked all her life but don’t be mistaken our mother loved to dance. She was admired for that by many as her hips swayed side to side to the live horns that played sweet, sweet soca music.  

That astounding beauty captured the heart of her life partner of 20 years, Rest in Peace Liston. He deeply loved her. Liston would often take her dancing as they would always be the first to the dance floor. Onlookers would either join in on the fun or stare in glee as her smile exposed her pearly white teeth, dancing the night away. If you ever heard Eleanor laugh, it was contagious, as she would blush bashfully.  

Eleanor was a daughter, a sister, a mother, and a friend. Eleanor held special relationships, special moments, a laugh, or a cry with each one of you that I hope you can cherish and remember her by. Miss me but let me go…. For God has me now!  

She is proceeded in death by her parents, William Edmund and Iris Leotine Penn-Donovan, brother, Roy V. (Alvina) Allen, sister-in-law, Cynthia Donovan and her life partner, Liston Freeman

Eleanor leaves to cherish her memories: her only daughter, Rosanell “Rosie” RodriQuez-McDowell, her beloved sons, Michael A. Smith, William L. Chesterfield (Hillary) and Kalique K. Donovan-Freeman; grandchildren, Shariviya Sam, Sardonyx Sam,  Quentin McDowell, Solange McDowell, Majikai Smith, Maykaiya Smith, Maykaijah Smith, Zayden Smith and Ava Chesterfield; sisters, Mona Donvoan, Juel Donovan and Denise Donovan; brothers, Edmund Donovan, Evanson Donovan and Earl Donovan (Jeanette); nieces: Junelle Allen-Victor and Sherecia Y. Nanton; nephews, Troy T. Testamark (Lisa), Antuan (Desiree), Andre Sumpter (Melissa), Kishaun I. Smith (Janelle), Darnell C. Browne (Felicia), Elroy and Ron Allen; 16 great-nieces and great-nephews; uncles, Irad (Norma), Haran (Cecile), Norris “Ottly” (Delitia) Penn; aunts, Audrey (Batoe) Rapsatt and Gracia Penn (BVI); cousins, Vivian, Joann, Charlene and Daniel Donovan, Sherice, Charisma, Brian and Shelby Christopher, Louis, Avril, Atim, Akim, and Aylissa Penn, Ali and Gloria Fahie, Kathleen “Sista” Scatliffe and Selwyn Vanterpool, Naheem, Amanda, Rachel, Nevelyn, Darren, Wonford and Germaine Penn; special cousins, Raymond (Angela) Hyndman, Etlyn Hyndman, Khoy Brutus, Gwendolyn Richardson and numerous cousins to many to mention in the V.I. And B.V.I.; Godchildren, Keron Harrigan, Jeniece Hughes,Tanisha and Robert Buckmire; best friends, Tisha Buckmire, Janice Mathis Cornell “Vyburt” Liburd and Marilyn “Maro” Anthony; extended family, The Henley’s, Rodriguez, Ralph, Sonny’s, Olivacce, McDowell’s (Waco), Chesterfield, Ronan, Bertram, Hedrington, Blyden, Fleming, Frett, George, Peets, Todmon, Charleswell her co-workers at the Supreme Court of the US Virgin Islands and Inspection Lane.

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