Mona McGovern

HAVERHILL - Mona E. McGovern, 85, of Haverhill, MA, passed on January 6, 2023 after a brief illness.

She was the daughter of Harry and Margaret Stinson of Swampscott, MA and was born on December 19, 1937. Raised in Swampscott and attended St. Johns Grammar School, class of 1952, then graduated from Swampscott High School, class of 1955. She began clerical work upon graduation and was eventually employed at Eastern Airlines at Logan airport. She married the late Frederick W. McGovern, Jr. of Somerville, MA in 1961 and began her career as wife and homemaker in Lynn, MA. She raised her two children Michelle and Joseph with the abundant love and care she had received from her own parents. She divided her free time volunteering at St. Pius V Church in Lynn and other civic activities. She re-entered the workforce in 1977 at the Secretary of State office in Boston. While at the Secretary of State Office she obtained many titles, Commissioner to Qualify, Notary Public and Justice of the Peace. She delighted in officiating at the weddings of many friends over the years. She left the fast pace and daily hectic commute to downtown Boston after she took a position at Goal QPC in Methuen, MA. She moved to Haverhill in 1998 to be closer to work and her daughter’s family. Upon retiring she devoted much time to helping care for her grandchildren Kara, Ryan and Megan. She was an avid reader and could often be found behind the cover of the latest thriller, or faith based book. She was as devout in her Catholic faith, as she was proud of her Irish heritage. Mona loved the ocean and beaches of New England, having grown up not far from the Swampscott shoreline. She continued to meet with her high school friends often over the years. Traveling to spend time with family and friends was always a joy. Journey to her family homeland was always on her ‘to do’ list. She was always so busy that Ireland was miles away from what needed her attention most at that time, her family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her older sister Sr. Margaret Stinson, CSJ of Framingham, MA; her beloved son Joseph (Gary) McGovern of Everett, MA; her grandchildren Kara H. Shanahan of Haverhill MA, Ryan F. Shanahan of San Diego CA and Megan S. Shanahan of Haverhill, MA. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones that she accumulated in her full 85 years. Mona was predeceased by her parents Harry and Margaret (Gillespie) Stinson of Swampscott, MA; her beloved daughter Michelle M. McGovern-Paquette of Haverhill, MA; her siblings Harry W. Stinson of CT, Mary F. Malone of MA, Helen M. Fleming of MA, John A. Stinson of MD, twins Sr. Dorothy A. Stinson, CSJ and Donald J. Stinson both of MA, Barbara C. Moran of NH, George W. Stinson of NJ and Michelle Mulhern of MA.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 13, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Haverhill at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Mona boldly faced breast cancer diagnosis and successful treatment in her 70's and was a proud survivor and a great example to many. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mona’s name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, www.komen.org or a facility that provides treatment and care for breast cancer. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mona McGovern, please visit our floral store.