Virginia Lee Donovan Colburn passed away on January 2, 2014 at Harford Memorial Hospital at age 96. She was the daughter of Dr. John Brown Gordon Smith and Ester O’Neill Jackson Smith. Virginia is a descendant of Defender John O’Neill. Born May 16, 1917 in Zolfo Springs, Fla. After Virginia’s Father passed away of the flu in 1819 Virginia and her Mother Ester boarded a train escorted by members of the Masonic Lodge Order and returned to Havre de Grace where Virginia’s Mother Ester begun teaching elementary school. Virginia attended local school and Western Maryland College where she ranked 4th in her college class for academics. Virginia’s career began at the local Selective Services Board during World War 2. After that Virginia became Associated Editor of the Havre de Grace Record where she remained for 27 years. Virginia was also a book reviewer of the Richmond, Virginia Times Dispatch. Virginia was a member of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church for 84 years. She was a very active member of Grace church where she taught Bible classes; was Parish Council member and Director of the Women of the Church since 1961. Virginia was a lay reader and wrote the updated history of the local church.
Also, serving as a member on the Committee for Women’s yearly studies. Virginia was editor of the yearly study books for 35 years. Virginia also wrote one entire study unit for the Reformed Episcopal denomination. Virginia was on the committee for the annual Havre de Grace Christmas Candlelight tour for Susquehanna Museum for 30 years. Life member Susquehanna Museum, Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse and Decoy Museum. Virginia’s former husband was Daniel C. Donovan, Jr. and two sons were born of that union Daniel C. Donovan, 2nd deceased and wife Janet. John Gordon Donovan, Sr. and wife Patricia and one grandson John Gordon Donovan, Jr. and wife Kimberly. Three great grand children Jennifer N. Gerdom, Jocelyn M. Donovan and Jillian R. Donovan, deceased. And four great grand children Cassidy, Jaxon, Jalen and Jirikhi. In 1953 Virginia married Raymond Colburn. From that union one step son R. Donald Colburn and wife Lynn, two grand children Julie Colburn Anderson and her husband Steve and Christopher Colburn and his wife Kim and two great grand children Paige and Tara. Virginia was a very devote Christian and she was loved and respected by her family and her Community.
She will be missed very much but contributed greatly to her beloved community of Havre de Grace, Maryland. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 10 A.M. at the Grace Reformed Episcopal Church, 560 Fountain Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. Interment will be at Angel Hill Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House, 817 Conesteo Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 or Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse, P.O. Box 212, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. Messages of condolences may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com