Louise Marie Donovan

Louise Marie Donovan, nee Kalin, 81 years old, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on August 1st after a sudden illness. 

Louise was born on February 7, 1943. She grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her loving parents, Leander and Julana Kalin, and older sister, Helen. She spent her early years golfing and flourishing in piano and ballet lessons. After graduating from Pius X High School in Lincoln in 1961, she attended Loretto Heights College in Denver, during which time she met the love of her life, Frank L. Donovan. 

“Weeze” as she was affectionately known, spent her 20s traveling around the world. This included her time on the transatlantic voyage of the Queen Elizabeth II vessel, exploring the Swiss Alps, and visiting Frank in Hawaii on his R&R break while serving in the Vietnam War. 

Frank and Louise were married on February 20, 1971, at Blessed Sacrament Church and celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary shortly before Frank’s passing last year. Louise was blessed with four children, who became her pride and joy and the center of her world. This led to many active roles, including Chair of the Montessori School, PTA president, and full-time fun maker/homemaker, all while her deep Catholic faith guided her through it all. Her commitment to these roles quickly made her a well-known figure within Arvada and beyond. 

As her children grew older, she returned to college at Regis University as a traditional undergraduate student. She received her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in philosophy in 1995 at the age of 52. Late-night study groups, term papers, final exams… and her gig as a live DJ on the college radio station KRCX. She sure showed those college kids a few things about tenacity and being spunky!

Perhaps best known for her bright colors, pink lipstick, and many fashionable accessories, Louise had a heart of gold, exuding optimism and genuine kindness. She made everyone she met feel welcome and special. Distance was never a barrier to remaining heavily involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, never missing an occasion to brag about them. Louise always seized the opportunity to travel to be at a celebration for someone she cared about, letting them know how important they were to her. Her smile lit up a room, the way a shining star lights up the dark night sky. 

Forever the social butterfly, she was deeply involved in many social and philanthropic organizations, including being the auxiliary president of the VFW, American Legion, president of Business and Professional Women, Mullen Moms Bridge, North Area Newcomers and Social Club, Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Colorado United Irish Society, Jimmy Buffet Parrot Heads, and leaving perhaps her most significant mark as the founding president of the Denver division of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. 

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Frank L. Donovan, her parents, Leander and Julana Kalin, her sister Helen Klanderud, and her nephew, Soren Klanderud. She is survived by her daughter Dierdre (Andrew Wicklow) and their children Finn, Aidan, Seamus, and Maeve; son Daniel; son Jack and his daughter Delia Donovan-Powers, Jack’s wife Joanne and their children Kalin and Drew; daughter Shannon (Michael Mazur) and their children Ryland and Makenna; her nephews Kurt (Christina) Klanderud and Erik (Petrina) Klanderud and her niece Kaela (Tobbi) Moontree-Stewart; along with beloved family members Mary Donovan, Michael Donovan and family and many, many more. 

Per Louise’s request, please wear bright and colorful attire for these celebrations (including the Mass), preferably in her favorite colors: purple, teal, and pink!

Remembrances may be made through contributions to Catholic Charities or Dress for Success DressForSuccess.org. 

A Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:00pm, Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado on Monday, August 12, followed by an Irish Wake from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am, Shrine of St. Anne's Catholic Church, 7555 Grant Place, Arvada, Tuesday, August 13. A reception will immediately follow at Horan and McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada.  The committal service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area "A", 3698 South Sheridan Blvd., Denver, at 2:00pm.

Please share memories and condolences with Louise's family by signing the guestbook.