Obituary of Inez Marie McGovern

It is with profound sadness that the family of Inez Marie McGovern (nee Reid) announces her passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Monday, July 3, 2023. Born on October 23, 1931, in Fairville, N.B. she was the daughter of the late Louis and Mabel (Flood) Reid.

Prior to the birth of her first child, Inez was employed by Horsler’s Gift Shop. She was a faithful long-time parishioner of St. Peter’s Church. Inez was also a graduate of the Saint John Vocational School, class of 1948.

Inez is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, William E. McGovern; sons, Fr. Edward McGovern and David McGovern (Kerry); daughters, Mary Rose Dewar, Anne Marie (Peter) Gormley, and Patricia McGovern; grandchildren, Jorel, Sean, Jared, Alex, Leeanne, Natalie, Patrick, Jessica, Adrianna, and several great-grandchildren; sister Kathleen Jennings; sisters-in-law Marjorie (the late Arthur) Gatien, Kay (the late Earl) Biddiscombe; several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased in infancy by her sons Walter Louis and Donald Francis; she is also predeceased by her daughter Shirley Irene Boyce; grandson Matthew Dewar; sister Mary Duplisea (the late Joseph); brother Francis Reid; and brothers-in-law Donald McGovern (Brenda) and Kenneth Jennings; father and mother-in-law Walter Leo & Laura McGovern. 

We are eternally grateful for the exemplary care given to Inez by her family doctor, Dr. Ashley Wood; staff of 4B South, and Dr. Christopher O’Brien, Dr. Jessica Hemmings and the entire palliative care team.

Thank you Mom, for being our teacher of faith, and God’s earthly example of true love and devotion that you gave unconditionally to your husband and children. To put it simply... you were the best wife and mother, and we will be forever grateful and thankful to you for the blessing you were in our lives.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will take place at Holy Redeemer (St. Pius) on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at St. Augustine’s Cemetery in Westfield. For those who wish, donations in memory of Inez may be made to the Palliative Care unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital or the IWK Children’s Cancer Unit in memory of Matthew. Online condolences may be shared at www.brenansfh.com