Jane Beckett-Donohue

Jane Beckett-Donohue, of Grasonville, MD, passed away at Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, MD, on July 31, 2024. Jane was born on February 1, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Erma Walker. She grew up in Louisiana, South Carolina, and then moved to Maryland in 1958. As a child, she lived in Baghdad Iraq, for a year while her father was on detail to the United Nations. Jane attended The University of Maryland where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1967. Jane began her 27-year career with Anne Arundel County Public Schools as a secretary at Crofton Elementary School. Once her children moved on to middle school, she accepted a position at the Central Office in the English Department. In 1986 Jane became the first spokeswoman for the Board of Education. Over the 18 years in this position, she worked under several Superintendents where she made a huge impact with her dedication, knowledge, and work ethic. Jane retired in 2004 to spend more time with her family. She continued to volunteer and consult for the College Board after her retirement, and she also served on the Board of Compass Regional Hospice & Kent Island Yacht Club. Jane loved being a mom and a Grammy to her children and grandchildren. Jane’s greatest blessings were her children: Adam Heinze of Edgewater, MD, Heather Ravanbakhsh of Baltimore, MD, Lisa Dring (Larry) of Pasadena MD; her grandchildren, Trey Dring, Ava Ravanbakhsh, and Bryce Ravanbakhsh. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she leaves behind a sister, Martha (Bunny) Hood (Robert). In addition to spending time with her family, Jane had a love for cooking/baking, sports, bacon, Miller Lite, Utz potato chips, playing Scrabble with her sister, volunteering, fishing/crabbing, bird watching, and sunsets. Jane’s family and friends will remember her humor, loyalty, generosity, and her love for life. Jane is preceded in death by her husbands James Doyle (2006), Ronald Beckett (2000), and Bartholomew Donohue, III (2012). A celebration of life will take at the Kent Island Yacht Club 117 Yacht Club Drive Chester MD 21619 on Saturday January 4th from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Compass Regional Hospice 255 Comet Dr., Centreville, Maryland 21617

Jane Beckett-Donohue

February 1, 1946 - July 31, 2024