Ernestine E. ''Ernie'' (Place) Donovan died after a long illness at the Center for Optimum Care in Winthrop Oct. 26th at the age of 81. She was born and raised in Malden and has lived in Melrose the past 45yrs. She was a homemeaker and had previously worked at Transitron Company in Melrose for several years. She was the wife of the late Joseph A. Donovan. Mother of Joanne D. Lattanzi & her husband Gregory of Everett. Sister of Leonard Place of Malden, Clifford Place & his wife Ann of Springfield. Aunt of Leonard Place Jr. of Malden and Debby Place of Springfield. Funeral service will be held at Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Mon. Oct. 29th at 10 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Sunday 2-6 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Arthritis Foundation 29 Crafts St. Newton 02158. Internment will be private. For obituary & directions www.gatelyfh.com