NELLIE ORONA DONOVAN, age 88, passed away on November 20, 2025, in Pennsylvania. Born in, Mesilla New Mexico, April 17, 1937. She was the daughter of Jose (Maria) and Manuela (Cardona) Orona.

Nellie grew up in a large family in Mesilla. She was the youngest of 13 children. Being a 'Tomboy' enjoyed playing with her older brothers in all sorts of sports. It was this adventurous spirit that not only allowed her to play on the girls High School basketball team but also propelled her through her whole life.

After High School she continued her education and worked as a civilian secretary at White Sands Missile Range. While still doing all of this, she found the time to be crowned, Miss Mesilla.

She met her husband, Raymond Donovan, while cruising with her girlfriends in Las Cruces.

Ray was then stationed at WSMR in the Army. They soon married and moved to Ray's hometown, Hayward California.  (It was then she gave up all she knew and headed West.)

She and her husband purchased their first home in, San Jose California, with her growing family. A son, Stephen Paul and daughter, Marcia Ann. (It was here she gave up smoking after hearing J.F. Kennedy's speech, "on the Dangers of Smoking.")

Her husband, Ray, worked for Payless Drug Stores. He was often promoted, which led to several moves. Next, she moved with her family to Sacramento California. They soon purchased a ski boat. She and her family enjoyed the sunny weekends at nearby Folsom Lake and its various water activities. (It was here that she gave up the 'Beehive Hairdo.')

Next, she moved to, San Diego California. She would take, Steve and Mar, to the beach and the famous San Diego Zoo. (It was while living here she and the family took up and played golf together.)

Next, she moved to Los Gatos, California. They soon purchased a cabin in Lake Tahoe California. She also resumed her career as a Federal Employee. (It was here she gave up, red wine, it stained her teeth). Next, she moved to Reno Nevada.  (It was here her kids graduated High School, got married and left town!)

Ray began a new career so a move to Portland Oregon was required. Nellie continued her career. (It was here while in her high-rise office she witnessed the Mount Saint Helen's eruption.)

Her and Ray lived briefly in, Roseville California, before settling in, Reno Nevada. They both retired.

(It was then they both decided to sell their home and move back to Nellie's hometown, Las Cruces New Mexico.) Tragically while living here both her husband, Ray, and grandson, Robert Anthony Conradt passed away.

Finally, Nellie moved to Pennsylvania to live with her son and his family. (It was here where she passed away.)

Nellie is survived by her two children, Stephen Paul Donovan and Marcia Ann Conradt. And countless nieces and nephews whom she also loved and cherished.

In closing, Nellie was adventurous, brave, daring, loving and kind. She was no pushover and at times could be stubborn. But she really enjoyed spending time with ALL her family and ALL her friends

She was a wonderful WIFE, MOTHER, AUNT and FRIEND. She will be truly missed.

Her heart was beautiful. Her final words were to her living daughter...

"I LOVE MAR!"

May we all love like she loved...

TO THE VERY END.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM Friday June 5, 2026, at The Basilica de San Albino 2070 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla. Inurnment of cremains will follow at the San Albino Cemetery.

Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces.