Marjorie W. McGovern

Marjorie McGovern (neé Marjorie Witts) passed away on Monday, June 28, 2021. She was predeceased by her loving husband of more than 61 years, David McGovern, Jr.; and is survived by their four children: David McGovern, III; Marie Ogram (Don); Sheila Chelton (Shawn); and Patrick McGovern (Coreen).

Margie was a dedicated and accomplished wife, mother, and grandmother. She sewed clothes and curtains, knitted ponchos, and mowed lawns. She painted walls and baseboards, stained deck furniture, and planted gardens. Margie and her family had lived all over the United States. Because she had moved so often and knew what it felt like to be the newbie, she became active in an organization called Welcome Wagon to help other families who had been transplanted. Wherever she found herself, Margie created a beautiful home for her family. On her refrigerator, she kept a magnet that said, “Home is where the heart is.”

Together with her husband, Margie was considered the consummate host. Her favorite holiday was Halloween. Throughout the years, she crafted imaginative costumes for her four children and helped them carve pumpkins. When the trick-or-treating days were over, she hosted parties for her fellow retirees which were known to include pumpkin carving as well. Margie also had a competitive spirit which she channeled into bowling, golfing, and fierce bumper pool competitions with her husband. She was also an excellent card player. Family games included hearts, canasta, and cribbage.

Margie gave tirelessly of herself for the comfort of others. When she and her husband retired to Dunnellon, they volunteered at the local food pantry and helped to organize a golf tournament for the benefit of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They were active in their church as well.

Reflecting on her life, she said of her husband and herself, “Family was always very important to us.” And indeed it was. In her final days, Margie was surrounded by her four children and had the opportunity to see her eight grandchildren in person and via FaceTime. She was also visited by her two granddogs outside Tuscan Gardens where she had been cared for by an extraordinary staff throughout the COVID lockdown. Margie maintained her sardonic wit to the end. When asked whether she needed anything, she coyly responded, “A new body.” She was dearly loved by all who knew her, and she will be missed.

A memorial service for Margie and her husband David will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on October 22, 2021, where their commingled ashes will be interred.

Donations on Margie’s behalf may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html). Please add the email address” - [email protected] under “recipient.” Thank you.