Nancy Kathryn Boswell Donovan, known as "Katy," passed away on November 26, 2025, in Evanston, Illinois, at the age of 85. Born on September 30, 1940, in Evanston, IL, she was the daughter of Thomas and Edna Boswell and the beloved sister of James C. Boswell, Thomas E. Boswell Jr., and Barbara Boswell Corbett.

Katy spent most of her early life in Evanston and graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1958 before attending Smith College, where she graduated in 1962. In 1963 she married Rev. David A. Donovan, a Presbyterian minister. Together they raised two sons, Thomas B. Donovan (Sheri) and James E. Donovan (Karen). Katy was also the devoted grandmother of Jack D. Donovan, Michael B. Donovan, Charles J. Donovan, Joseph M. Donovan, and Carolyn S. Donovan.

Katy dedicated her exceptional intelligence, skills and energy not to a formal career but to her family and to supporting David's ministry. Her intelligence, discipline, judgment, and persistence made her highly effective behind the scenes.  She was an extraordinary mother whose steady presence shaped her sons' lives, and she approached every role with grace, commitment, and unwavering love.

Katy's dedication extended deeply into her community. A loyal and long-serving volunteer, she contributed to numerous organizations over several decades. She was a fixture for more than 40 years in "The Depot," the resale shop run by the Presbyterian Homes Woman's Board.  She served on the Board beginning in 1986, and was a valuable member of multiple committees over the years. Other beneficiaries of her service and support included the Infant Welfare Society, Meals on Wheels, the Oak Park River Forest Day Nursery, RefugeeOne, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, among others. Her generosity and willingness to quietly step in wherever needed earned her respect and affection from all who knew her.

A lifelong lover of baseball, Katy was a proud and devoted Cubs fan, her TV was regularly tuned to WGN. Yet nothing compared to her role as a superfan for her family. From her sons' baseball games to her grandchildren's sporting events, concerts, plays, and recitals, "Granny Superfan" rarely missed a moment. Her presence in the stands and her pride for her children and grandchildren was her greatest joy.

Katy lived a life of humility, kindness, loyalty, and devotion to her family and her community.  Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the generations who loved her dearly.

A memorial service celebrating Katy's life will be held on December 13, 2025, at 10:00 am, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2515 Central Park Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the work of these organizations that were important to Katy:

The Woman's Board of the Presbyterian Homes:

https://www.presbyterianliving.org/foundation/

(Choose "Women's Board Designated Giving Fund" from "I want to support" dropdown)

Westminster Place New Hope Scholarship Fund:

https://www.presbyterianliving.org/foundation/

(Choose "Westminster Place New Hope Scholarship Fund" from "I want to support" dropdown)

RefugeeOne:

https://refugeeone.org/donate-money/

Negaunee Music Institute (Community education/outreach program of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra):

https://order.cso.org/donate/q/6

Chicago Civic Orchestra (Training program for CSO):

https://order.cso.org/donate/q/5