Susan Duffy McGovern
October 31, 1918 - August 14, 2010
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Susan Duffy McGovern
October 31, 1918 - August 14, 2010
Obituary
Susan Mary Teresa McGovern, of Dana Point, California passed away peacefully early on the morning of August 14th, 2010; she was just shy of ninety-two years of age.
Sue was born on Wesley Street in Cavan Town, County Cavan, Ireland on October 31st, 1918, to Patrick Duffy and Bridget Yourell, the second of seven children. She began hair dressing as a teen in her hometown of Cavan, eventually moving to Monaghan where she met Eugene McGovern. The two were married in Belfast on January 6, 1942 during war time. Their first three children, Philip, Eugene and Susan were born in Belfast. They later moved to Dublin where Ingrid, Brian and Rosaleen were born. Sue ran her own hair salon, ‘Sue Hair Stylist’, out of their home on Beaumont Avenue in Churchtown, Dublin. She was an unusual woman for her time in that she was an entrepreneur, running several businesses out of her home. Aside from being a hairstylist, Sue was a talented dressmaker, florist, and milliner hat maker. She was also an active member of her community and put together flower arrangements for services, weddings, and funerals at her local parish, the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd.’ At her best when she was serving others, she often visited and cared for the sick and dying, not only her relatives but also people in her community. She never turned anyone away from her door, often inviting people in need for meals and a place to stay.
After the death of her husband in 1985, Sue started a new adventure and moved to California in 1989. She lived with Rosie’s family until 2007 when her health was in decline and she required professional care. Before that time she enjoyed several return trips to Ireland, and was actively involved in the lives of her friends and family who were privileged to share in her life, both in Ireland and California.
Sue is survived by a brother Brendan Duffy and a sister Theresa Tracey, both of England, and a sister Mary Dowd of Ireland; her six children and their families: Philip & Charlotte McGovern of Placentia, California, Eugene and Jackie McGovern of Lucan, County Dublin-Ireland, Susan & Sean Murphy of Dana Point, California, Ingrid and Gordon Goodwin of Carrickmines, County Dublin-Ireland, Brian McGovern of Dana Point, California, and Rosaleen and Jerry Klein of Dana Point, California; thirteen grandchildren: Peter McGovern, Anita Lord, Sarah Vaughn, Steven Goodwin, Ingrid Goodwin, Scott Goodwin, Gordon Goodwin Jr., Charlotte Goodwin, Betsy McGovern, Ryan McGovern, McKenna Klein, Caitlin McGovern, and Michael Klein; and four great-grandchildren: Juliet Lord, Dylan Lord, Aila McGovern, and Ben Goodwin.
She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
53 responses to Susan Duffy McGovern
Paul and Michele Olson says:
August 18, 2010
Dear Rosie, Jerry, McKenna, Michael, and the McGovern Families:
Nana’s are so very special!
We never had the pleasure of meeting Susan McGovern, but always enjoyed hearing stories about her determined spirit from Jerry and Rosie. Our deepest sympathy and prayers from North Dakota. We love you!
Rich & Laureen Shapiro says:
August 18, 2010
Our lives are richer for having spent time with the woman we knew as “Nana”. Our sympathy goes out to the extended McGovern family.
Ron & Margie Meyers Family says:
August 18, 2010
How blest are we to have known Nana through Jerry & Rosie. She always had a smile, a tiger spirit, yet a tender touch. She was where grace and beauty mingled. That the Irish Saints in Heaven sing joyfully to their newest inhabitant! Thank you Nana, for your love and service to us on this earth – and your prayers for us all until we unite with you in heaven!
Wendy Boltz says:
August 18, 2010
Over the years of friendship with your family, I had the pleasure of meeting Nana and she was, indeed, a lovely and gracious woman. The greatest testament to that is the beauty and kindness that is so evident in the lives of her children. Rosie, Jerry, Susie and Phil ~ you have all touched my heart deeply as you have carried on the loving legacy that Nana left to you. May you be blessed for your care for her in these last years and I pray that the Lord will comfort the hearts of your entire family, as you cannot help but miss her sweet spirit.
Much love to each of you,
Donna Wiss says:
August 19, 2010
Rosie and Jerry and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom/Mother-in-Law/Grandmother/impressionable women. I never had the pleasure of meeting Susan but I know what I wonderful woman she was from the stories I have heard and the influence she made on Rosie. Rosie a wonderful woman, with the biggest heart, and one of the most caring people who has touched my life. Susan’s influence will be carried on for generations to come.
Focus on the wonderful memories treasured with Susan during this difficult time and moving forward.
Your friend always,
Donna Wiss