Funeral Arrangements For Hall Of Fame Coach Anne Donovan Set

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A public celebration and funeral arrangements for Anne Donovan, the Hall of Fame and championship-winning basketball legend from Ridgewood, have been announced.

Donovan, 56, died of unexpectedly of heart failure June 13. She was a star player for Paramus Catholic High School and found success at every level of the game.

A public celebration of Donovan's life will take place at Paramus Catholic High School Saturday June 30, at 3 p.m., followed by a reception in the gym. Visitation with the family is Thursday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood, her obituary states.

"Anne was known for her strong faith, courageous spirit and a giving heart. She was valued in her personal and professional relationships for her character, integrity, humility and kindness," Donovan's family said in a statement shortly following her death. "She will be remembered by the many people whose lives she touched for her generous spirit."

Donovan was a star player for Paramus Catholic, won a national championship with Old Dominion University, and went to three collegiate Final Fours.

"Paramus Catholic is very saddened to hear of the passing of Anne," Paramus Catholic Principal Stephanie Macaluso said in a Facebook post. "Her accomplishments as a professional are outstanding, in which she touched many lives. Her deep faith was shown in all that she did. Our deepest condolences to the family."

As a coach, Donovan led the Seattle Storm to the franchise's first title in 2004. She coached the Women's National Basketball Team to a gold medal at the Olympics in 2008. She is the only person to win a women's college championship and coach a team to a professional title.

Donovan is survived by her brothers and sisters Kathleen Donovan (Larry Orlick), Michele DiPiano (Thomas DiPiano), Kevin Donovan (Jennie Donovan), Patrice O’Donnell (George O’Donnell), Mary Grab (John Grab) and John Donovan (Sharon Donovan), nieces and nephews Katie Donovan, Eric Donovan (Amanda Donovan), Meaghan DiPiano, Caitlin O’Donnell, Patrick O’Donnell, Bridget O’Donnell, Jessica Grab, Joseph Grab, Sarah Ashley, Katherine Ashley, Rachael Ashley, Emily Donovan, Meredith Donovan, and grandnephew Eric DiPiano.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of one's choice. Some of Donovan's favorites included the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, Meals on Wheels (Wilmington, NC), Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW), Pender County Humane Society (NC) and Operation Top Cat in Sneads Ferry, NC.

A second memorial honoring Anne will be hosted by her family for her area neighbors and friends in early August in Wilmington North Carolina.

Related:

• Hall Of Fame Coach, Ridgewood Native Anne Donovan Dies
  
• How People Are Remembering Bergen Basketball Star Anne Donovan

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Anne Donovan, the then head coach of the Women's USA Basketball team, addresses the media during a press conference ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)