MARY THERESA McGOVERN
September 3, 1938 – November 28, 2023
Bakersfield – The McGovern family announces the passing of their beloved Mother and Nana, Mary Theresa McGovern-Van Schaack. Mary passed away peacefully at her assisted-living facility on November 28, 2023, at the age of 85 with family by her side.
Mary was born in Grand-Mere, Quebec, Canada on September 3, 1938. At the age of 16 she moved to Westbury, New York before moving to California with her family. She became a U.S. citizen at the age of 20; and she married Bernard McGovern in 1958.
Mary served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for over 40 years as a religious education teacher, director of religious education, first grade teacher, and finally as a guidance counselor. At the age of 50, Mary went back to school where she went on to get her B.A. in Liberal Arts, her teaching credential, a master's degree as a reading specialist, and a degree in counseling at CSUB. She retired from OLPH in 2016. While not teaching, using her counseling skills, or spending time with her family, Mary enjoyed being at the beach and reading.
Mary was married to Bernard McGovern for 50 years before his passing in 2008. In 2011, she married Glen Van Schaack and was married for 10 years before his passing in 2021.
Mary is survived by her children: Donald McGovern (Heather), Theresa Amarante, MaryAnn Britton (Phill), and Michael McGovern (Laura). Her grandchildren: Kristy, John, Joey, Thomas, Alex, Jacqueline, Elizabeth, and great grandchild James. She is also survived by five of Glen's children: Stephen Van Schaack (Dale), Kathy Cronk (Greg), Elaine Thompson (John), Jeanne Tunnicliffe (Scott), and Joanie Haenelt (Bob).
Mary is predeceased by her parents Saul and Ruth Trepanier, her first husband Bernard McGovern, her second husband Glen Van Schaack, and by her grandchild Christopher McGovern.
During her 85 years of life, Mary shaped many young lives through her teaching at OLPH and her friendships with them into adulthood and touched hundreds of other people with her friendship and caring heart. A special thanks to the staff and residents at Magnolia Place Assisted Living for creating the community that she thrived in the last 22 months of her life.
A funeral mass service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on 124 Columbus Street. Then a graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery on River Boulevard followed by a lunch reception and memories at our Lady of Perpetual Help Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Elementary School in honor of her scholarship fund.
Mary McGovern Scholarship Fund https://gobeyondmeasure.org/project/171.