Elizabeth Anne Donovan

Elizabeth (Betty) Anne Donovan, 72, of Green Bay, WI, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, surrounded by her children. The second daughter of Alvina and Donald H. Eckardt, she was born on February 27, 1952, in Sheboygan, WI. Betty was a kind, strong, and cheerful woman. She was an incredible mother to her four children and a beloved grandmother to ten grandchildren. 

 Betty graduated from North High School in Sheboygan in 1970, and in 1969, she was crowned “Miss Wisconsin Teen-Ager.” She is a 1974 graduate of U.W. Stevens Point, earning a B.S. in Communications. During college, she met her husband, Tim Donovan.

 Betty lived a whole life in Wausau, starting her career and raising her kids. She was a recruiter for Wausau Insurance and the Director of Human Resources for the Wausau Daily Herald. She served on the Wausau/Marathon County Leadership Board and was elected Supervisor for District 6 of the Town of Wausau. She enjoyed giving back to the community and did extensive volunteer work.

 Betty will be remembered as a hard-working, selfless, and loving mother to her four children: Katie, Michael, Christine, and Mary. She was a proud Lumberjack Mom, involved in her kids' schools and many sports activities. Her home was always filled with family and friends over the holidays, and she loved to cook and share in holiday traditions.

 Betty later moved to Green Bay, WI, to be closer to family. She belonged to a local church, volunteered for the Botanical Gardens, and was a Ballot Clerk for local elections. She loved to spend time with her family and friends and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

 Betty is survived by her children, Katie Sousek (Kirk and children, Vada, Vaughn, and Ivy) of Appleton, WI, Michael Donovan (Colleen and children Molly and Jack) of Springfield, VA, Mary Boyle (Michael and children Henry and Maureen) of Plymouth, NH, and Christine Wyman (Scott and children Chase, Parker, and Allison) of DePere, WI, sister BJ Eckardt, of Belmont, NH, brother Donald Eckardt, Jr. and wife Lynne of Canton MI, sister Lisa Houfek of Plymouth, WI, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

 Betty is predeceased in death by her parents and sister, Mary Eckardt. 

A memorial service will be held on September 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 807 Superior Ave, Sheboygan, WI, with Father Nicholas Baumgardner officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour before the service.

A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Ballhorn Chapels, 1201 N. 8th St., Sheboygan, WI, on September 21, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Betty’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association to help fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Please visit their website at http://act.alz.org/goto/Betty_Donovan for donation information.