Margot GOVAERTS Obituary

GOVAERTS, Margot Lifelong Petaluma resident Margot Govaerts passed peacefully in her sleep on February 28, 2018. Born June 21, 1927, Margot's special caring and unique sense of humor will be sadly missed. A graduate of Petaluma High School, she will be remembered as a hard-working and dedicated employee. She worked at JC Penney for a number of years. Margot's thoughtfulness to the elderly was exemplified by the numerous duties she undertook throughout her life. She was a caregiver companion and also worked at the Petaluma People's Center assisting in making meals for seniors. An active member of Petaluma United Methodist Church for over 70 years, Margot ensured that during special masses for Father's or Mother's day, children received lollipops and the Mom's would get flowers. Margot frequented many Petaluma establishments and had her favorites. Her friends remember her as one who would give a supporting shoulder. Her family recalls a generous aunt who helped them buy their first car or took them to Hawaii for high school graduation. Others will remember her freely sharing $2 bills. Margot had many interests from doll, stamp and coin collecting to an enduring love of dogs. She was proud of her clowns and her favorite was Emmett Kelly. Margot also had a tradition of dressing up as a clown for her birthday, which persisted into her later years, and which her family will fondly remember. Preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gustin Govaerts of Hemet, CA and L. Jene Govaerts of Petaluma she is survived by her nephews Martin Govaerts, Michael Govaerts and Matthew Weiss and her nieces Julie Govaerts Grant of Petaluma, Cassidy Weiss, Melissa Bates and Lauren Govaerts. At her request, there will be no funeral services. She will be eternally resting in Cypress Hill Memorial Park next to her beloved mother. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Margot's name to Petaluma United Methodist Church or the ASPCA. The family also requests that you fondly remember Margot and share a smile in her memory.

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Published by Press Democrat from Mar. 11 to Mar. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Margot GOVAERTS

5 Entries

Sandra Besenthal Mahon

June 14, 2025

My mother, Barbara Rinn Besenthal and Margot were very good friends from High School. When we live in Petaluma we belonged to the Methodist Church. At Christmas time when the youth would go Christmas Caroling we always went to Margot house. After we sang, she served all of us ginger cookies and hot cocoa. We never lost touch with Margot after we moved away. On a special Mother´s Day trip in 2010 my mom, her twin sister Jeanette and us three sisters took a remembrance trip to Petaluma. We had a wonderful dinner with Margot, but she insisted we let her treat us to breakfast at one of her favorite restaurants. (See photo) Everyone in the restaurant knew her well and she had been talking about us for days. We felt so special. What a blessed trip that was! Both my mom and auntie have gone on to be with The Lord. I know they´ve met up with Margot.

Dan Bejma

October 17, 2021

This is so random for me, but I wanted to research who was on a Disneyland Hotel bill I found, from 1956. The name was interesting to me and here I am! Wow, Margot sounds like an amazing woman. How sweet and wonderful it must have been to know her and be part of her family and friends.
God Bless
Dan B
Carlsbad CA

Margot's birthday 2010

Melody Grandell Climo

March 23, 2018

She was a special lady who always had a smile on her face and was willing to share all she had with the less fortunate. Very kind hearted with a soft spot for her dogs. I hope she is in a special place with all those dogs she has loved.

KATHI LANATTI

March 14, 2018

Margot was a fun lady. We enjoyed listening to her stories she shared about the 'good old days' when she went to school with my dad Alvin and my Aunts Eda and Maxine. We will miss her humor and smile.