Mary Ann McGovern

Mary Ann McGovern (née Gaffney) age 89, entered heaven to join her husband on October 24, 2023.  As per her wishes she lived her final days at Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River.  She was born in Jersey City NJ, previously residing in Emerson, Ho-Ho-Kus and Stuart Florida before moving back to NJ to be near family. She was a former parishioner of the Church of St. Gabriel in Saddle River.  Mary Ann was a graduate of Saint Dominick’s Academy in Jersey City, NJ at the age of 16.  She worked as an Executive Secretary at City Service Oil Co. in NYC, prior to her marriage of 60 years to her dearly beloved husband, Charles J. McGovern. Her heart was broken when Charles died suddenly in 2014. Her heart broke again when her cherished eldest daughter, Kim Kleespie, died unexpectedly in 2017.  Mary Ann bravely faced many challenges since then but her heart never healed. 

She loved life, golf, butterflies, dining out, the beach and above all her family.  No greater joy for her was time with one or all of her children and grandchildren.  The golf course, tennis courts and bridge tables were a big part of her days for 45 years as a member of Hackensack Golf Club and later Willoughby Golf Club, Stuart FL.  She was rewarded on the golf course with 3 holes in one.  Mary Ann shared her fun loving nature with all she met and made many friends along her journey.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Daniel McGovern (Danielle), Kathleen Dallendorfer (Eric), Kerry Bascio (Ray), Kevin McGovern (Lori), Megan Lennon (Russ), 18 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren with more to come, her brother Jack Gaffney (Ruth), sister in law Betty Black and son in law Ken Kleespie. She was predeceased by her parents John and Cecilia Gaffney.

In lieu of flowers, please share a smile and a laugh with someone today as Mary Ann did daily.

Burial was private. Please join us to celebrate a life well lived on 11/11/23 at 10 am at Church of St. Gabriel the Archangel in Saddle River, NJ.  

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