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Ann McGovern Obituary
On a return trip from Long Island to her apartment in Manhattan two weeks ago, Terry McGovern had the sudden idea to surprise her mother, Ann McGovern, with a visit. In her arms, she carried her newborn, Liam Andrés.
To her delight, Mrs. McGovern, who was in the shower, ran to meet them at the door, half dressed and dripping water, and began yelling for her husband: "Larry, Larry, look who is here! Liam is here! Liam is here!"
And that's how Ms. McGovern says she will remember her mother: exuberant, happy, full of life. Mrs. McGovern, who lived in East Meadow on Long Island, was a claims analyst for the Aon Corporation and worked on the 93rd floor of 2 World Trade Center, the first tower to collapse. A native of the Bronx, Mrs. McGovern drove a black sports car and was an avid golfer who had recently made a hole in one.
But her biggest thrill, Ms. McGovern said, was her youngest grandson, Liam Andrés, born two months ago. Several times a week, she would leave her job and sneak in a visit with her daughter and the baby in the Upper West Side. "She'd drive me crazy," Ms. McGovern said. "She would show up at all hours, saying she just had to see him. She called him the light of her life."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mildred O
March 8, 2024
i dont know her but srry
larry rosen
September 11, 2017
Hope you are playing golf ....
larry rosen
September 11, 2017
Played Golf with Ann at Stonebridge Golf Club just thinking about you on this day......,
September 11, 2017
I played golf with Ann at Stonebridge Golf Club just thinking of you today
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Tony Clementi
September 11, 2017
We will never forget - fellow Aon employee.
georgeen comerford
April 29, 2017
to my cousin Ann - may peace be always with you
September 11, 2015
I remember her playing tennis at Eisenhower Park. Glad to know her! I always listen for her name on 9/11. My sincere condolences.
Dina Ort
September 11, 2015
Ann's Family- I worked in World Trade Center's building 5 for many years. I cut your mom's hair. She always made me laugh and I looked forward to her monthly appointments. She was smart and strong but most of all she was full of life. She talked about her children often and you could see the pride in her eyes. I think of Ann every 9/11. She was a great lady!!!!! I'm so sorry for your loss.
Tracy Phillips
September 11, 2015
I visited the memorial in November and there was a rose on Mrs. Ann's name. I took a picture of it and it is my profile picture today. Praying for her family this morning.
Kevin MOORE
April 13, 2015
I recently visited the 911 memorial whilst visiting New York. I noticed Ann Mcgovern's name. I have since read about this lady. I just wanted to pay my respects.
S J. Friscia III
October 14, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Our nation's flags never looked so beautiful.
Randi Schmitt
October 4, 2014
Overcome by the sheer magnitude, each flag representing a soul.
Randi Schmitt
October 4, 2014
Walking through the 9/11 Memorial, tribute to Ms. McGovern.
Randi Schmitt
October 4, 2014
April 29, 2013
Y0U ARE IN THE HEARTS 0F THIS NEW 0RLEANS FAMILY F0REVER. MAY THE L0RD BLESS Y0U AND Y0UR FAMILY AS THE YEARS MARCH BY.
Reilly "girls"
October 6, 2012
My sister and I just played golf at Stonebridge and noticed the plaque on the 9th hole. Realizing Ann died a few weeks after her hole in one made us think about how uncertain life is. Had to investigate further to learn more about this interesting "neighbor". We are sorry for your loss.
Barbara Cerf Stockley
September 9, 2012
My whole family grew up with your family and Aunt Kath and uncle Ray so verry sorry to here about your loss. I would have responded sooner but just found this web site. Bless all of you and your growing family. Our prayers are with you all.
Maryann Petti
September 11, 2011
Today I remember Ann and will never forget her. We often would pass each other in the halls at work or at the kitchen area. She always was so pleasant and full of life. God bless her and her family.
Denise Fallon
April 14, 2011
Known to me and my teammates at St. Brigid's in Westbury, Mrs. McGovern was an excellent softball coach. She was tough but fair. We all had a chance to play, even those of us that were not champions. She saw all of us as champions. Also, our families belonged to the same parish and crossed each others paths throughout the years. God Bless you Ann McGovern and your family too. Denise Fallon
Melissa Muller
September 11, 2009
I did not know Ann until about ten days ago when I was randomly given her name for a blogging project that remembers the victims of 9/11. (http://project2996.wordpress.com/)
It was an honor and privilege to remember Ann on this, the 8th anniversary, of 9/11. You can find my tribute to her life and legacy here: http://mzmullerz.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/honoring-ann-mcgovern/
My sincerest condolences to Ann's children, Terry Larry, and Liz, and to all her family and friends.
Phil Scali
September 11, 2009
I worked at the golf course were Ann was a member and I remember the hole in one she made. She played golf with the guys and was on of "the guys". I remember always having to go out on the course to try and find her sunglasses. She had a terrific zest for life and will always be remembered.
November 25, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
December 27, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 17, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Jane Gudgel
September 9, 2006
larry
You always believed in me and supported me at Schwab..I think of you each passing 9 11 and the terrible loss you suffered. I hope you are well and life is good for you now.
Sally Gaines (Wolfe)
April 8, 2005
Larry,
I believe we were in the same class at St. Brigid's School in Westbury. I left in 1970 to go to W.T. Clarke junior high.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing.
God Bless all your Family.
Mike McGovern
August 1, 2004
To the family of Ann McGovern,
My name is Mike McGovern and I live on Hilda Street in East Meadow. Since your mom's passing, many people have asked me if I am related to her since we both are from East Meadow. We are not, but I think of her whenever someone mentions the WTC. When the new St. Raphael's Church opened recently, I offered my Communtion for your mom, that God may give her a special place near him in heaven. May you enjoy many happy memories of her. With warmest regards. Mike McGovern
Jeanne Boyle-Arnold
September 11, 2003
Wanted to write a note to let you know that I am thinking of the McGovern family on this sad day. We said a special prayer for Larry and Ann at our wedding. They will part of our lives forever now and truly live in our hearts.
Most fondly.
Jenny Kretschmer
September 7, 2003
My thoughts turn to your family as the second anniversary comes upon us. My dad is still working on the WTC as a tribute to his friends. Ann is one of those who he still misses. God bless. Liam must be so big now. Liam, Grandma loves you.
Jenny
Ann McGovern
April 17, 2003
I read an article today and it asked if you ever do a search on your own name on the Internet. I thought it would be fun to try. I was really shocked to find that your Mom and I share a name. It was a little strange at first but I enjoyed reading about her. She sounds like she enjoyed life and lived happily.
I'm sincerely sorry that you lost her in such a tragic way, and I'll say a prayer for her. Knowing Irish Mom's the way I do....I bet she's watching over all of you with a warm smile.
May the Road Rise to meet you....may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face.....and until you meet your Mom again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
March 25, 2003
To The McGovern Family,
I just read today that heaven has a new angel. May God bless all of you for letting another angel go. I am sure your mom and dad are catching up on old times. Until you all meet again!
March 24, 2003
I hope you and Larry have a happy reunion today. Heaven's gain is the world's loss. Bless us all.
November 25, 2002
Happy Birthday Ann
Deirdre Brennan
September 13, 2002
Dear Larry and Dorothy, Michael, Meghan, Jack and Patrick and all the McGoverns,
I am thinking of you all and praying that you get through this tough time.
All my love,
Deirdre
Ken McGovern
September 12, 2002
To the family of Ann McGovern,
On this first anniversary of such a horrible tragedy, I find myself trying to know a little bit about some of those who were lost. I suppose if we go back enough generations, all McGoverns are related & when I read about Ann, I can't help but think about my mom & how excited she is every time she spends time with one of my sons - and how sad it is indeed that young Liam has lost that woman who was so full of love. I hope Ann's zest for life will become a central piece of Liam's character as he grows to understand all these horrible events. The world needs that.
With deepest respect & sincere sympathy for your loss.
Ken McGovern
Dan McGovern
September 11, 2002
Today is Sep 11th 2002, I'm a soldier in the U.S. Army, everyday for the past 12 years of my life I've had at least the thought that I may have to give my life for my country one day and last year your loved one unexpetedly did just that.....That is sapposed to be my job, I'm doing this so that people like Ann don't have too. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't help but feeling closer to her and the other McGoverns that passed that day. I'm sure that there is nothing a stranger like me can say to make your pain less, but just know that I send my most heartfelt condolences to your whole family.
Colette Verdun
September 11, 2002
I learned about Ann McGovern from the book "Portraits of Grief." Ann went right to my heart. All my sympathy and prayers to her family.
Catherine (Connolly) Tighe
September 9, 2002
Watching the Larry King show tonight,9-09-02,I was shocked to see a familiar face being remembered as the anniversary of 9-11 approaches. My memories go back to 1950 at Tolentine HS in the Bronx. Your Mother, then Ann Walsh, was a fun loving basketball player, who always had a smile on her face. I will remember your family in my prayers.
Mary McGovern
September 6, 2002
Hello, Wednesday September 11, 2002 we are holding a prayer service at St. Patrick's Basilica in Montreal for the Montreal employees of AON. I checked out AON's website for more information on the tragedy and to my dismay found a name so similar to my own among those that died on that terrible day. I will especially remember Ann McGovern in my prayers on September 11th.
With my deepest sympathy to Ann's friends and family,
A Friend
August 28, 2002
Dear Elizabeth:
I am a friend of your brother Larry and always visit sites which mention your mom to say a little prayer.
This morning, I saw your comments in which you seem to be struggling to find the right words to say a lot of things. Please know that you're doing fine (misspellings and all...) and remember that you don't have to explain yourself to anyone. Your mom loved you (it's obvious) and your "status" in life is meaningless... it's what's in your heart that counts and it sounds like yours is about to burst.
Take comfort in the knowledge that your mom will always be with you and that you will see each other again, and "your joy no man shall take from you." Peace.
Jenny Kretschmer
August 20, 2002
My father, Joe Levins, speaks highly of Mrs. McGovern. He is now living in NYC and working on the WTC loss in honor of the dear friends that he lost that day.
May God Bless You, Ann McGovern.
Terry McNamara
July 18, 2002
To Larry McGovern:
My deepest sympathies and best wishes to you and your wonderful family
carol vassallo
July 17, 2002
Terry:
We went to G'town around the same time. Hung out with some of the same people. I read about your mom in the NY Times a while back - couldn't find you on the Internet, and then happened upon this site. I'm so sorry, Terry. Since reading the NY Times article, I keep you and your family, and your mom, in my prayers every day. I hope they're helping. Congrats on Liam. Take care.
Stephanie Zaktzer
July 16, 2002
I never knew Ann personally, but my mom always told my sister and I stories about her. Through college applications, to finally my entrance into medical school Ann would always correct my essays. She did not owe me anything, but by doing this it made my mom's life easier (not hearing me complain about my grammar and spelling) and this only showed how giving she was. She helped me, a person she did not even know, just because she loved my mom so much. I never saw my mom in so much pain when she lost one of her best friends, Ann. I regret not getting to know her better, because based on my mom's stories she seemed like a truly remarkable and unique woman. Ann, you are truly missed.
mort, harvey, bob, hal glick, kaplan, stearns,juman
April 26, 2002
To The McGovern Family –
Last Saturday while at the golf course we were deeply saddened to learn that our friend, Annie McGovern, was among those who tragically perished at the WTC on 9/11. We first met Annie at the Hamlet Windwatch Golf Club some three years ago. She randomly filled in one Saturday morning when we had a vacancy in our foursome. Both she and we had a delightful time, so much so that we invited her to play with our group whenever one of our foursome was absent. Her view of golf – have a good time and don’t be ultra serious – matched our own. Last year she moved to the Stonebridge Country Club and we no longer saw her. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Bob Stearns, Hal Juman, Harvey Kaplan, Mort Glick
Elizabeth McGovern
April 26, 2002
Hi! It's Elizabeth McGovern again. I want to apologize for saying I was less sophisticated. Very petty of me. I also spelled beautiful wrong; which Ann; as an English teacher would have hated. I didn't mean to be sarcastic. I did, however inherit that from my mother! I just miss my mom so much. You take for granted the little; simple things in life. For example; my friend from Merrill Lynch: David Brady who died in Tower One. The way David would try to point out the positive. My mom; the way SHE would always call me back and make me laugh. Most importantly, never to take myself too seriously.
My sister Terry and my brother Larry; are they more sophisticated? Who knows? However, Ann loved us each for who we are. More importantly, for the courage to be ourselves. We are all very different from each other. All of us embody a part of Ann. I love and respect my brother and sister. While they may never understand what motivates me; I know they love me. My brother has an a very kind and beautiful, funny family. My sister, has an ingredible family too. I always felt so different from most people in this world; so why should my family be any different? Accept with Ann; I was myself. She was not only my mother; but a very close friend. When people ask me if I hate anyone; I always say "no". My mother made it impossible to hate. She taught me to love and respect people and things that were different. Ann taught me to question what I read. When I would say to Ann "I want a regular mother" I had no idea what I was saying.
Mom; thank God you weren't a regular mother. I am so grateful I had you as a mother. Someone who taught me that everybody deserves respect.
I will never forget what you would always say "Liz, I don't think you are stupid, just crazy." That was Ann!
Mom, now nobody calls me to tell me my butt is big. Nobody cares enough too piss me off.
Say hello to everyone and may God Bless your BIG WHITE IRISH ASS!!
LOVE,
THE VICTIM ELIZABETH ANN
Elizabeth McGovern
April 25, 2002
I notice all entries are to Terry. Anyhow, this is from Elizabeth; her less sophisticated; youngest child.
All I have to say is that God must have needed to laugh because there was nobody funnier than Ann. I miss her so much. The daily phone calls, the funny comments, her incredible beauty. As so many have said; her great laugh and beatiful smile. I miss you mom. Nothing is the same without you. I know in my heart, I will see my mother again.
eileen williams
April 2, 2002
I read the beautiful tribute in the Daily News about Ann McGovern and then was saddened to learn she was the mother of a high school classmate of mine, Larry McGovern. I was able to laugh at the accounts that Larry later told me of his mom having them believe at AON that his mother was much younger than she actually was, and she seemed like someone who really enjoyed all there was that life had to offer. I was duly impressed by the lovely depiction of her and her daughters, along with Liam, at the exhibit at Grand Central Station. She seemed like a wonderful lover of life and I hope her family can find some strength in that.
Jaypopiwa Lansbury
March 12, 2002
Dear Ann,
We miss you terribly. We think that you would like the memorial of lights although we can never be sure what you would have thought. It is hard to continue on without you. It is as though a major source of light has been distinguished. We are trying.
We think of you all the time and hope that you have found some peace. We pray that you didn't suffer.
With every passing moment we become more aware of all the gifts you gave us. Take care and love to Missy, Margaret, Alice and Andrew.
Much Love, DOA 1 and 2.
Eileen Simko
March 10, 2002
I will always mourn the loss of Ann. My memories of her and her family go way back. I offer my deepest sympathy to her family. May Ann rest in peace.
March 5, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL WOMAN...ANN MCGOVERN AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS LITTLE LIAM...HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01. MAY JESUS AND ST.ANN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Camille Grey
February 18, 2002
Ann,
I will never forget our tennis conversations and our infamous "haircuts". Your laugh I will always treasure.
Love Camille
Jill McGovern
February 10, 2002
Dear Terri and Family,
You do not know me, nor do I know you. I come across your mom's name each time I turn to legacy.com to look up entries for my husband, Scott McGovern. I do it almost every day and I see "Ann McGovern" each time and finally read the notes today. She sounds like she was a very special woman. I hope you will feel how blessed you are to have had her in your life. I try to do the same about my husband. Wishing you peace, Jill
Loretta Cory
January 17, 2002
Dearest Terri,
I'm so sorry for your loss & pray your family is able to keep in their hearts all the wonderful memories of your Mom. This was such a lovely picture of her. She was such an energetic, intelligent woman. I'm glad I was able to meet her. I hope her children are able to carry on her love of life as she wouldn't want it any other way. Best to you, Liz, your brother & Dad.
Love from the Corys in California
Pam Breaux
January 16, 2002
Dear Terri,
I read about your mother in the new Book "One Nation". I just want you to know that your family is in my prayers. Although we live far from New York, all of Louisiana mourns with you.
May God continue to bless and comfort you and your family.
Eleine Ruokonen
January 9, 2002
Dear Ann,
I met you at A&A. We worked on 42nd Steet office. Then we where move to WTC. You always had an excitment about you. You always pushed me to do more. Thank you. You will be missed.
Teresa Jahn
December 22, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Ann. May her wonderful out look on life and her love live on in her grandson Liam and all who love her. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Janet Rozenberg
December 6, 2001
Terri, your mother sounds like a wonderful lady. I am so sorry for your loss.
janet.
Lisa Burch
December 4, 2001
Terri - you may not remember me but we worked together on some committees while you were at the Law Project. I thought I saw you on the news in the days after the attack but I was never sure. I am so sorry about your mom. My brother Andrew was also killed in the WTC. He worked at Cantor. He left behind a wife and two small children - not to mention myself, my brother and my mom. I have a 19 month old daughter and I know that she is what has kept me going - I'm sure your son is doing the same for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Lisa Stern Burch
Bob Taylor
November 26, 2001
I worked with Ann at A& A and Aon, and had the privelege of sitting next to her for several of those years. She was crazy, and that craziness helped us through the work days. I remember at my wedding, Ann crawling under the table to take a picture of my feet, as she knew that I had taken my shoes off and put on a pair of sneakers, and she wanted to make sure that there was a picture of it so everyone else knew too. Nancy and I are going miss you greatly, Ann. I'll miss golfing with you and talking about the Mets, and arguing about the Jets vs. Dolphins in football. God Bless you and your family. You will always be in our prayers.
Bob Taylor
David Baker
November 12, 2001
I worked with Ann in the A&A days, and can still remember how her "award winning personality" and her quick sense of humor could always be counted on to make any day brighter !! May God Bless her and her family at this difficult time, with respect, David
Maryann Petti
November 7, 2001
I knew Ann from A&A as well as Aon. We would pass each other in the halls or at the copy machine. She was such a pleasant person. So full of life and always happy. I still can't believe she's gone. But she will not be forgotten. I pray we will all meet again one day. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Debbie Wilson
November 7, 2001
With heartfelt sympathy.
I will never forget this sad and tragic loss.
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