Susanne Willis Donavan ... enjoyed homemaking; at 83

ROCHESTER - Susanne Willis Donavan, 83, formerly of 35 Autumn St., East Rochester, died on June 6, 2022, surrounded by family.

Born January 15, 1939, in Cambridge, Mass., she was the daughter of Reginald and Mary Ellen (Morrison) Willis. Susanne lived in East Rochester for 50 years after moving from Hampton Falls. She had been a resident of the Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation for the past four years.

Susanne was pre-deceased in 2011 by her loving husband of 51 years, Luis Donavan, her brother Edward Willis, grandson Christopher Allen Dixon, and son-in-law Christopher Dixon.

Susanne attended Winnacunnet High School, Newburyport High School, Boston University, and the Anna Jacques Hospital School of Nursing.

In the '60s and early '70s Susanne worked as a nurse throughout the Seacoast area and at the Gafney Home for Senior Living in Rochester.

After nursing, Susanne and Luis settled in Rochester where she was a lifelong loving homemaker caring for her husband and four children. The neighborhood children often gathered at the Donavan house, where Susanne always watched over everyone playing in their field, splashing around in the swimming pool, and playing kick the can into the early evening hours until the streetlights came on and the kids were called home.

Susanne actively participated in her children's sports booster clubs and class activities. Both Susanne and Luis were avid supporters of their children and grandchildren's sports teams. For over 30 years they were a presence at their games, track meets and dance recitals.

Susanne will be remembered fondly by her four children, Scott Donavan and his wife Carolyn of Dover, Kimberly Starbranch and her husband Thomas of Quincy, Mass., Linda Dixon of Portland, Maine and Jennifer Coombs of Dover.

Susanne's, grandchildren, Madeline Welsh, husband Sean, Jack Starbranch, Cameron Coombs, Carrie Dixon, Jake and Joey Donavan, and her great grandchild will hold her forever in their hearts.