Jenny L. (McKendall) Donovan, age 85, of Quincy, died peacefully, Sunday, April 5, 2026 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Jenny was born in Mattapan, to the late Cecilia (MacIsaac) and William McKendall. Raised and educated there, she was a graduate of Hyde Park High School, Class of 1958. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She lived in Quincy for over sixty-five years.

Jenny served as the Administrator at the Thacher Montessori School in Milton for twenty years.

She was an avid traveler and made countless trips, including Cuernavaca, Mexico (at Las Mañanitas), Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, Italy, and Las Vegas. She had also travelled to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada for the past twenty-seven years.

Jenny was a lover of cats and, at many times, the proud pet parent to multiple cats simultaneously.

Longtime partner of Kenneth L. Merisalo of Quincy.

Beloved mother of William C. Donovan and his wife Donna of Abington, Gregory P. Donovan and his wife Denise of Maynard.

Devoted grandmother of Amy O’Connor and her late husband Patrick, Bryan Donovan and his wife Rebecca, Chloe Donovan, and Emma Donovan.

Loving great grandmother of Mary Rose O’Connor.

Cherished sister of Frances Clifford of Norton, and the late William McKendall and his late wife Marilyn.

Dear aunt of Meredith Donahue, Shana McKendall, William McKendall, Brendan Clifford, Kendall Clifford, and their families.

In accordance with Jenny’s wishes, services were private.

For those who wish, donations in Jenny’s memory may be made to the Dedham Animal Care and Adoptive Center (Animal Rescue League of Boston), 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026.