Gloria Catherine Lee Donovan, 77, of Milton, died Feb. 15 at home.
A lifelong Milton resident, she attended St. Gregory’s in Lower Mills, Collicot Elementary, Cunningham Junior High and Milton High School.
She graduated from LaSalle College before traveling the world as a flight attendant for American Airlines, based in New York City. The airline used her likeness to promote their services in various magazines and the television media.
In 1955 she married, started a family and had eight children.
Mrs. Donovan was active in many groups and organizations, such as the American Airlines Kiwi Club, BC High Mothers Guild, Dorchester-Milton Physicians Wives Club, Meals on Wheels Volunteers and others. Many knew her through her various travels to baseball fields, ice skating arenas, soccer fields and gymnastic schools with her kids.
After her children grew to adulthood, she worked 15 years for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Boston.
An avid sports fan, she followed the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, Celtics and Boston College. She enjoyed travel, skiing, swimming, fine art, modern dance and a keen sense for style and fashion, as well as home decor, avid gardening and various humanitarian efforts.
Daughter of the late John H. and Catherine (Dansereau) Lee, she is survived by her children, Michael J. Donovan and his wife, Barbara, of Wellesley, Christopher J. Donovan and his wife, Maureen, of Westwood, James F. Donovan and his wife, Julia, of Nevada, Deirdre E. Donovan, of Milton, Gloria C. Lacek and her husband, Michael, of Wellesley, Joseph M. Donovan and his wife, Susan, of Norfolk, John F. Donovan, of Milton, and Sally A. Donovan, of Boston; and her grandchildren, Michael J. Donovan, John M. Lacek, Graham Lee Lacek and Mark C. Donovan, all of Wellesley, Carolyn Lee Donovan and Matthew J. Donovan, both of Westwood, and Olivia F. Donovan and Alison G. Donovan, both of Norfolk. She was the sister of the late Lois Winchester and Theodora McCarthy.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 20 in St. Elizabeth Church. Burial was in Milton Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Sisters of Charity-Halifax Mission, 84-32 63rd Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379; or Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 186 Highland Ave.,Somerville, MA 02143.
Arrangements were by the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home.