Hudson – Barbara L. (Fairgrieve) Carter-Donovan, 84, of Hudson, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016. She leaves her loving husband of 18 years, John “Doc” Donovan of Hudson, and was the beloved wife of the late Lorne W. Carter for 44 years until his passing in 1996.
Barbara was born in Belvidere, Ill., daughter of her birth parents, the late Burnell and Margaret (Wilson) Burritt, and her adoptive parents, the late Arthur and Marion (Levey) Fairgrieve. She was raised in Rockford, Ill. where she attended local schools and was a graduate of Rockford High School. She later attended and earned her degree of Nursing at the Swedish American Hospital School of Nursing in Rockford.
She worked for many years as a nurse at the Framingham Union Hospital and later the Lakeside Medical Center in Marlborough until her retirement. She was a longtime active member of the First Federated Church in Hudson.
Barbara enjoyed her career as a nurse and cherished all the wonderful people she had the opportunity to meet throughout her career. She had many hobbies which included cooking, knitting, crocheting, and reading. Most of all, she looked forward to being with her family, especially with her grandchildren and step-grandchildren and later her two step-great-grandchildren. She will truly be missed and remembered for her gentle spirit and loving personality.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Kim Carter of Amherst, N.H., Keith Carter and his wife Rachel of Lancaster, Kevin Carter and his wife Denise of Hudson, and Kurt Carter and his wife Carol of Medway. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Burritt and his wife Joan of Florida; her sister, Joan Jory and her husband Bill of Rockford, Ill.; her three step-children, Jim Donovan, Joanne Okerman and her husband David, and Jack Donovan and his wife Bonnie, all of Hudson; her 12 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren, all of whom adored and loved her, along with many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service and celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, at 9 a.m., in the First Federated Church, 200 Central St., Hudson. Burial services in Forestvale Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Family and friends may attend calling hours Friday, Feb. 19, from 5-8 p.m., at the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the First Federated Church Memorial Fund, 200 Central St., Hudson, MA 01749.
