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
Kimberley McClintock says:
August 19, 2010
Rosie, Jerry and family,
Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting “nana” I certainly felt as if I had through the stories you have shared. The love that you have for her will be with you always and the memories you carry will brighten your days as she will never be far from your hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take Care and God Bless.
Leslie Gates says:
August 19, 2010
Dear Rosie, Jerry, Susie and Family,
The Gates family would like to extend their deep sympathy and send our love to you as you go through this difficult time. Take care and we’ll see you soon, Steve, Leslie, Ryan and Leah
Peadar Cronin says:
August 19, 2010
Dear Phil,
I wish you and your family an inner peace and an increased awareness of the presence of Spirit in your lives at this time of sadness at the departure of your mom. We all know that the departure of such a significant person as one’s mom is especially challenging. But recalling the 92-year long journey of her life should lead one to a celebration of the significance of it in so many ways, as well as a sense of joy in our belief that her person and spirit is “up and off and on her way to God,” and now enjoying all the excitement of being reunited with all those of her loved ones who preceded her – in the true spirit of an Irish re-union, of course.
Phil, I regret that I am leaving for Ireland in a few days and therefore will not be able to attend any of the scheduled events of prayerful, celebratory commendations, but I shall be prayerfully engaged in remembering both your mom and you during the next days, starting with this morning’s Mass, in a few minutes at Holy Name of Mary.
Le mor gra,
Peadar
Hugh McKenna says:
August 20, 2010
I and all our extended family in Ireland have very fond memories of Sue. Eugene was a first cousin of my father. My father died in 1962 and left my mother with four kids aged 1,2,8 and 9 years. Eugene and Sue ensured that we were supported and helped emotionally, spiritually and even financially. This was despite them having a large family of their own. My sister and I went on our holidays to their home in Dublin and were treated as part of the family. I recall Sue being a great cook, a fine mother and a lovely person.
When I heard the news I travelled to see my mother and sisters. They are all saddened by Sue’s passing but have wonderful memories of her. We have never forgotten the McGovern family and we offer our condolences to all of you in this time of grief and wish you all the love, comfort and support that Sue and Eugene gave us. She has not gone – just gone ahead on the journey we will all have to make.
Memory can tell us only what we were,
In company with those we loved;
It cannot help us find out what each of us,
Alone, must now become.
Yet, no person is really alone;
Those who live no more still echo
Within our thoughts and words,
And what they did has become
Woven into what we are.
By Richard Fife
Joe and Judy Fisher says:
August 20, 2010
Dear Phil,
Joe and I are truly sorry for your loss. We know she was very dear to your whole family. Now she waits for you all in heaven.
Love and Prayers, Joe and Judy