Joan Felten McGovern

Joan Marie Felten McGovern passed away January 15, 2024, peacefully after a short illness.  She was 93.  Born in New York, New York on November 9, 1930, she was the youngest of 4 children born to Charles and Margaret Felten.  She grew up in New York with a short time living in Washington D.C. and then returning to New York.  She entered the convent in her late teens where she taught school and by her mid-twenties, made the decision to leave the convent to pursue a life with a husband and family.  Her hopes were recognized, and she married William McGovern on September 7, 1957.  Her first-born daughter came the following year and two more daughters followed.  She never left the church, rather she served her Catholic life volunteering as a Choir Director in Southborough, Massachusetts where she lived with her husband and children for 10 years.  When she and her family moved to Maryland in 1966, she continued her volunteering at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  She taught catechism to middle school aged children for about 15 years.  Not only was she a friend to many as a regular attendee at church, but she was a mentor to many for 40 years as a volunteer AL anon counselor through Holy Spirit Church.  Joan was a homemaker, an entrepreneur, an avid reader, a lover of boating, swimming and riding her bike.  She was quite handy with a saw and a drill and constructed many pieces throughout her home.  Joan was a talented artist with many sketches and oil paintings to her credit.  She loved visiting with her family and friends and was as good a listener as she was a communicator.  Her guiding wisdom and sense of humor will be greatly missed.  She is survived by children Meg McGovern von Paris (Mark), Elizabeth McGovern Gibbons (Greg) and Moira McGovern McGill (Scott), 8 grandchildren, Will, Hannah (Alex), Sarah (Adam), Mark, Colin (Kristi), Meredith, Kelley and Scottie and 4 great grandchildren, Ellen, Angelo, Charlotte and Esther.  A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Joppa.  A luncheon celebration will take place immediately following the service.