Gertrude Donovan was born in the Bronx to Gustav and Emma Berends. She grew up and attended schools in the Bronx as well. Gertrude met and married Daniel Donovan in June of 1956 and after several years moved to Brewster where they raised their family.

Gertrude held some part time positions doing secretarial work, but her real job was raising her five sons. Besides her husband Daniel, she is survived by sons Steven, Daniel, Scott, Christopher, and Matthew. She is also survived by two sisters Helen and Inge.