Kathleen “Kathy” Donovan, 77, a lifelong resident of Watchung, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, with her beloved husband by her side.

Kathy was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on September 14, 1948, to the late Joseph and Marion Donovan. She received her bachelor’s degree from Drew University and later continued her education by taking graduate courses in early childhood education. For many years, she worked as the office manager for Dr. Diehl’s chiropractic office in Warren before her retirement.

While Kathy was dedicated to her work and education, she will perhaps be remembered most for the extraordinary passion, creativity, and enthusiasm she brought to the many things she loved throughout her life. Kathy was never one to do anything halfway. When something captured her interest, she embraced it wholeheartedly.

Early in life, Kathy developed a love for off-roading, hill climbing, and racing. Behind the wheel of her 1966 Jeep, which remains in the family today, she competed in events and earned numerous awards. More importantly, her involvement in off-road clubs and organizations led her to meet Raymond Daly, the man who would become her husband and lifelong companion.

Kathy was also an extraordinarily talented artist, particularly in the fiber arts. She enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, quilting, and crocheting, but rug hooking became one of her greatest passions. Over the years, she created an extensive collection of intricately crafted rugs, many of which received awards and were photographed for publication in magazines. Each piece reflected countless hours of patience, creativity, and care and became a true work of art treasured by her family.

Her artistic talent often intertwined with another of her great loves—animals. Kathy had an incredible affection for her pets throughout her life, including dogs, cats, turtles, and ducks. She had a particular fondness for Great Danes and, most recently, she and Raymond welcomed Elijah, their eighth Great Dane, into their home. In a beautiful combination of two of her passions, Kathy created a special hooked rug commemorating each pet she had loved over the years, leaving behind a unique and deeply personal collection of memories.

Kathy brought that same devotion to gardening. She especially loved hostas and Hoyas, caring for approximately two dozen different varieties of Hoyas throughout the year. During the warmer months, her plants flourished outdoors, and each winter she carefully brought them inside, transforming her home into something resembling a greenhouse so that every plant could continue to thrive. It was simply Kathy’s way—if she loved something, she cared for it completely.

Above all, Kathy will be remembered for her creativity, her curiosity, her devotion to the things and animals she loved, and the unmistakable enthusiasm she brought to her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Raymond Daly, as well as a host of loving extended family members and dear friends.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Marion Donovan, and her brother, Bobby.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathy’s memory to the American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd., Denver, CO 80221.