Jacqueline Lea Donovan, 87, of Des Moines, Iowa passed peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones at Emmetsburg Care Center, November 29, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Herbert R. and Ann E. Brewster.
Jackie grew up in Des Moines, graduating from North High School and Grandview College. She lived and worked in Pocahontas for several years and returned to Des Moines to raise her children becoming a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines. Jackie was resilient, creative, courageous, and enthusiastic. Jackie worked at Meredith Corporation until early retirement and true to her resiliency she worked 10 + years at The West Des Moines Police Department.
She enjoyed traveling, from the Amana colonies to Alaskan cruises, the beaches of Honduras, and European cities. She loved tending to her flowers, her books, quilting, and the daily newspaper and crossword.
She adored evenings spent at the Des Moines Symphony and free hours volunteering at her church. But mostly, she loved being with her family. Jackie expressed compassion and unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jackie’s caring and genuine ways touched the lives of her family and many friends.
The fond memories of Jackie’s life are celebrated by her children: Jill (Don) Hubbell of Mallard, Iowa; Carol (Jon) Engelbrektson of Norwood Young America, Minnesota; Mark Donovan of St. Paul, Minnesota; Nancy Perdomo of Lugano, Switzerland; grandchildren, Michelle (John), Jessica (Jessie), Shannon, Jacob, Grace, Belle, Gabriel, Althea, Solvei, Fiona, Antonio, and Sofia; great grandchildren, Oliver, Leo, Piper, and Melanie.
In agreement with Jackie’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Jackie’s life will be held at the Covenant Presbyterian Church on April 25, 2025, at 10:30 am. Memorial donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Des Moines Symphony.