Patricia Roebig McGovern Ware, born January 14, 1939, in Baltimore, MD, passed peacefully _October 14th, 2026, surrounded by loving family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Gilbert Roebig, her husband of 42 years Leigh E Ware, her stepson Michael Ware, her brother Thomas Donald Roebig, her brother-in-law Sonny Buda and the father of her five sons John C. McGovern. Pat survived many horrific accidents over the years, moved often to different states growing up and attended eight different Catholic schools, graduating from the Jacksonville Florida Bishop Kenny High School in the Class of 1957. Singing was always one of her greatest passions, and she sang in choirs from third grade on. She was a member of the Concert Chorale, sang with the Jacksonville Symphony, the St. Johns River Band and the Creation and Rainbow Choirs at Resurrection Catholic Church.
Throughout her career Pat worked as a secretary at Prudential, Barnett Bank, Smith & Gillespie Engineering Firm and retired from the Bank of America. She always said that her greatest achievement was being a mother to her five awesome sons. Pat is survived by her two sisters, Barbara Buda and Theresa (Tom) Diasio, her five sons, David (Lisa) McGovern, Daniel (Melanie) McGovern, Kenneth (Debbie) McGovern, James (Sheila) McGovern and Michael (Staci) McGovern, had nine grandchildren : Garland Willard, Lauren Cross, Steven (Kelsey) McGovern, Austin McGovern, Brandon McGovern, Matthew McGovern, Jonathan McGovern, Michaela McGovern and Haley Ware, six great-grandchildren : Cayden Cross, Grant Mummaw, Ashton Cross, Barrett McGovern, Baylor McGovern and Gianna Willard, her cousins : Betty (Walt) Geffert and Mickey O’Rourke, brother-in-law : Dave (Lynne) Ware and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Pat was blessed with a deep abiding Catholic faith, a warm smile, compassionate nature, and a selfless and generous heart. She loved to cook and bake, spent countless hours volunteering and always went above and beyond to help anyone in need. She was an Ovarian cancer survivor who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Many thanks to her doctors, nurses and medical staff who helped her over the years, especially Dr. Steven Buckley, Dr. Stephen Bagnoli, Dr. Charles Burger and her many prayer warriors.
Visitation will be at the Resurrection Catholic Church, 3383 University Blvd. N, Jacksonville, FL on Friday 10/30/2026, from 9:00 am until 9:30 am, with a funeral mass immediately following with Father John officiating. There will be a reception after the mass from 10:30 am until 12:30pm and interment will follow at 1:30 pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left for the family on the funeral home website at corey-kerlin.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101, Down Syndrome Assoc. of Jacksonville, 630 May Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204, or Resurrection Catholic Church.
