Rachel Donovan ... enjoyed hand-feeding squirrels; at 90

SOMERSWORTH - Rachel Louise Donovan, 90, of Somersworth, died peacefully in Dover on June 6, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Rachel valued people and living things above all else. She helped anyone in need whenever she could. Her kindness caused many of her kids' friends to consider her their second mother. She made a home for a variety of pets and strays through the years and loved sharing stories about each one. She found joy in watching her morning glories grow and hand-feeding the resident squirrels.

Her happiest moments were those shared with family and friends. She was grateful for every day spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never declaring favorites - always saying that she loved each member of her family equally.

Rachel is predeceased by three siblings and two granddaughters, Whitney Jean Lizotte and Abigail Katherine Lizotte.

Rachel is survived by her: children John (Tammi) Lizotte of Berwick, Maine, Michael (Sarah) Donovan of Chapel Hill, N.C., Debra Donovan of Somersworth, Kathy Hatch of Portsmouth, Ronnie (Doreen) Burgess of Gardner, Mass., and the complete Burgess family; niece Tina Mayotte and family of Rochester; grandchildren Elizabeth (Tim) Strum, Melanie Ward, Michael Donovan, Jr., Katherine Donovan, Jon Donovan, and Sheamus Hatch; great-grandchildren Abigail Ward, John and Samantha Strum and Parker Harmon.

The family would like to thank Wentworth Douglas Hospital, the volunteers of Wentworth Hospice, and Riverside Rest Home for their attention and guidance during Rachel's final days.