Eileen McGovern
East Lyme — Eileen McGovern, of Niantic, passed away, with her family by her side, on Friday evening, Feb. 9, 2018.
She was born to William and Viola Falvey on March 3, 1925, in Saint Louis, Mo. Eileen grew up in Berwick, Pa. As an only child, she was everything to and for her parents. She was the light in their lives and their sole caregiver in their later years.
Eileen graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College in 1946, with degrees in business and education. While there, she was president of the Future Teachers of America, president of her junior class, vice president of her senior class and involved as editorial staff of the yearbook, in the Community Government Association and the Bloomsburg Players. After graduation, she briefly taught business education, but found her niche working in advertising, at the Criterion Advertising Company in New York City, a city she just loved. She fell in love with “New York, New York” while taking classes at Columbia University in the summers during college, exploring the city with her best friend, Catherine.
She lived there even after she met and married a young Navy pilot, John McGovern in 1952. They were married for 51 years, until his death in 2003. Her married life took her from New York to New Jersey, Utah, Georgia and finally Connecticut. She became adept at packing up four girls and a household, in order to follow her husband’s job assignments as an industrial engineer. She kept continuity at home in many regions of the country. She made sure her girls’ education was enhanced, not hindered by living in various communities. She was most pleased that all of her children and grandchildren earned undergraduate or graduate degrees. Her focus on education went beyond that of her children. As a member of the American Association of University Women, Connecticut Chapter, she served as editor of the newsletter and belonged to book and music groups. Her great devotion was AAUW programs through local universities to encourage girls to further education, especially in science and math.
Once her girls were grown and in college, she returned to work for the United Cerebral Palsy Association and again in advertising in Old Lyme.
She retired with her husband and enjoyed travel to various places in and outside the United States. She volunteered at the East Lyme High School library, enjoying the academic environment and the energy of the students.
Her legacy continues in her four daughters and their families: Kathleen and her husband, Richard Larson, of Pasco, Wash., Maureen and her husband, Peter Davis, of Waterford, Dr. Karen McGovern and her husband, Julius Borges of Groton, Mass. and Michele Duthrie of Niantic; grandchildren, Justin, Kyle and Josh Davis, Lindsey and Jesse Duthrie, Elizabeth Larson and Theresa Larson Utecht and Vanessa Borges Nadeau and Jesse Borges; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Paige, Cavan, Declan, Peyton and Calvin.
Her family would like to thank everyone at Crescent Point, who were her extended family, and the staff of Beechwood, who cared for her so lovingly near the end.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, and a celebration of her life at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at the Thomas L. Neilan Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.
To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Connecticut Humane Society or to flyingfuranimalrescue.org, to honor her love of “all creatures great and small.”
Eileen will be remembered for having acknowledged all the large and small events in the lives of family and friends, with letter and cards. She would just love it if you sent a letter or card to someone who would love to hear from you!
She liked to say, “Life is just a bowl of cherries, mostly sweet, sometimes the pits.”
Eileen was the sweet part.