Karen A. (Farina) Donovan, of Peabody, formerly of Melrose, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2009 at the Lahey Clinic of Peabody. She was only 48 years old. Born on December 11, 1960 in Cambridge to Oreste & Claire (Lonergan) Farina, she was raised in Melrose and a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar School of Melrose and Nazarene Academy in 1978. She earned her BS in History in 1982 from Merrimac College and worked in accounting with Sylvania of Danvers for 11 years and Group 1 Automotive of Danvers for 6 months. Karen also volunteered at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem for many years and loved animals. She enjoyed reading, cross-stitching, computer gaming, traveling and cooking. She was the devoted wife of Richard K. Donovan of Peabody with whom she shared 25 years of marriage. She was the loving daughter of Oreste & Claire (Lonergan) Farina of Melrose. Caring sister of Nancy Allerton of Bristol, TN, Susan DeFronzo & her husband Tom of Topsfield & Michael Farina of Somerville. Sister-in-law of Paul Donovan & his wife Doreen of Saugus, Brian Donovan of Ireland, Patricia Suckley of Peabody, Kathleen Wallick & her husband Glenn of Lynn, Sheila Donovan of NY, NY, Neil Donovan & his wife Rosemary, Bruce Donovan & his wife Catherine, all of Wakefield & Maura McCall & her husband Peter of Lynn. Loving Aunt of many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews & cousins. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday, December 1st at 8AM. Funeral Mass in her honor at St. Mary's Church Herbert St., Melrose at 9AM. Family & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Mon. 2-4 & 6-9PM. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody, MA. Memory contributions in Karen's memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter 347 Highland Ave. Salem, MA 01970. For directions, flowers or to sign guest book, visit www.gatelyfh.com