The St. Croix Parent University family in particular and the school district in general are expressing heartfelt condolences on the passing of Beryl Donovan, a mainstay at the university and a beloved employee of the Department of Education.
“Our hearts are filled with sadness as we come to grips with the sudden passing of our beloved Beryl,” said St. Croix Insular Superintendent of Schools Gary Molloy. “On behalf of the school district, I express deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mrs. Beryl Donovan. We were blessed to have her around catering to the needs of our children in a very special way as she lent her heart and skills out to benefit the welfare of students, who are now grown men and women making positive and indelible contribution to society.”
Beryl Donovan distributed her expertise and kindness to the Department of Education at Juanita Gardine Elementary, Charles H. Emanuel Elementary and, most recently, at the Ricardo Richards Elementary School where she cooked and ensured that students received well-balanced, healthy and nutritious meals to help them get through the school day and beyond.
Among her other feats, she was president of the Juanita Gardine Elementary School Parent-Teacher’s Association (PTA). She represented the school well at the 2009 and 2010 National PTA Conventions in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Memphis, Tennessee, respectively.
Donovan joined the second Parent University classes of May 2009 and faithfully returned year after year up to her tenth and final graduation on May 29. PU students grew close to her as she dispensed advice and knowledge in child rearing and cooking. “We knew her as she went about her duties as a mother and doting grandmother,” said Janet Brow, director of the Office of School Community Relations and coordinator of Parent University. “She loved her family dearly and was certain to bring them along as we (PU staff and students) went on expeditionary field trips.”
Donovan explored Buck Island, Davis Bay, Jack and Isaac’s Bay, kayaked at Salt River, hiked to Mount Washington, and went on Tan Tan Tours courtesy of PU’s learning field trips. “She was adventurous; she even joined us when we went horseback riding,” Brow said. “What a woman she was!”
“We have many fond memories of Mrs. Beryl Donovan and will miss her dearly,” Brow said. “On behalf of the Office of School Community Relations and Parent University, I extend heartfelt sympathy to her family.”