Adele Donovan, longtime advocate for women struggling with alcoholism, dies at 91

Adele Donovan didn’t have time to waste. She helped thousands of men and women recover from alcoholism, and stood alongside anyone making an honest effort to overcome the disease.

“But she was no-nonsense,” said longtime family friend Gary Lanouette. “She told everyone, ‘If you want to help yourself, I’m here for you. I’ll give you all the help in the world. But don’t waste my time.’ ”

Donovan, described by friends as an icon of Portland’s recovery community, died Saturday at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. She was 91, and spent the last 46 of those years sober, said her son, Rex “Arthur” Browne of New Sharon.

“The last 46 years of her life, she did real well. I’m very proud of her,” he said.

Read more: http://www.pressherald.com/2016/07/11/adele-donovan-longtime-advocate-for-women-struggling-with-alcoholism-dies-at-91/