Molly McGovern

Molly McGovern, 23, of Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 23, while visiting family friends in Italy.
Born and raised in Worcester and Washington, D.C., Molly was the beloved daughter of U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern and Lisa Murray McGovern.
Molly radiated pure joy. She lit up every room with her beaming smile--full of laughter, endless warmth, a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant, and just the right amount of mischief.
She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special. She treated everyone she met with compassion and kindness--always standing up for the underdog, and making friends everywhere she went.
Her love for the Boston Bruins was second to none. She was a sports ambassador last year at Bruins Heritage Hall at TD Garden, and she had no greater joy than watching the B's beat the Maple Leafs in the playoffs with her brother Patrick. But her love for the Bruins was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light and humor with you. She had that kind of effect on people.
Since 2019, Molly had been battling a rare cancer. She was in treatment through a clinical trial at New York Presbyterian Hospital that gave her family and friends more time with her. She faced her diagnosis with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity--refusing to let her illness slow her down or define her. In the early days after the diagnosis, things were especially tough. Between cancer and the pandemic, she could rarely leave the house. Still, Molly refused to be sick. She decided to treat her cancer as merely a nuisance.
She was a senior at Northeastern University, studying Political Science and International Affairs, and was expected to graduate later this year. Just last fall, Molly's adventurous spirit led her to study abroad in Australia, snorkeling with her Aunt Wendy and Uncle Bill in the Great Barrier Reef, hiking with her brother Patrick in Tasmania, and embracing every opportunity to experience new cultures and build lasting friendships around the world.
In addition to her parents, Molly is survived by her brother and best friend, Patrick McGovern of Worcester; her grandmother, Mindy McGovern of Worcester; and her great-aunt, Ellen Peloquin of Millbury. She also leaves her aunts and uncles, Wendy (Bill) Talcott of Sutton; Kelly (Bill) Tuttle of Sterling; Jim Murray of Millis; and Linda (Mike) Friedman of Guilderland, New York; as well as her cousins, Courtney and Jake Fox and niece and goddaughter Hazel; Jon Tuttle, Michael Tuttle, Scott Friedman, Sarah (Hans) Lauzen, and Sofi Murray.
She is predeceased by her grandfather, Walter McGovern; her grandparents, Ed and Jan Murray; her godfather, Roger Peloquin; her aunt, Mindy Murray; and her beloved dog niece, Tessie.
She passed away while visiting her dear friend Nicolò Bagnoli and his family in Assisi, Italy.
Arrangements by Athy Memorial Home.
Calling hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish, 228 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish. Burial to follow at St. John's Cemetery in Worcester. A livestream of the services will be available here: https://olpworcester.tv/.
Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to:
The Prevent Cancer Foundation: https://preventcancer.org/donate/.
The Worcester County Food Bank: https://foodbank.org/donate/.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: https://www.foodbankwma.org/donate/ways-to-donate/.