Barbara J. McGovern's Obituary
Barbara J. McGovern, 83, longtime resident of Methuen, passed away on March 10, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lawrence on February 10, 1938 to her late parents Hugh W. and Sophie (Karaczewski) McGovern and graduated from Tenney High School with the Class of 1955. Barbara worked for many years as a tax examiner for the IRS until her retirement. As a woman who loved many of the simple pleasures in life; she was a devout animal lover who immensely enjoyed the birds and wildlife from her backyard. She also enjoyed making ceramics and completing sudoku puzzles. Barbara was the beloved matriarch of her family with whom she enjoyed spending time with. She touched many lives in many different circles and will be loved and missed by all.
Barbara is survived by her two daughters; Donna McQueen and Michael Sefsick, and Dyann Landry, all of Methuen. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter Heather McQueen, also of Methuen and her three nephews and one niece; William Jr, Michael, Stephen McGovern and Colleen Langseth. Barbara’s love will also be cherished by her dear friends; Theresa Staples, Lisa Halloran and Lisa Wiley and her wife Jen. Barbara is also survived by her ex-husband John “Jack” Wagenbach. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother William McGovern. The McGovern family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Merrimack Valley Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
To honor Barbara’s wishes all services will be privately held. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to either the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St, Lawrence, MA 01843, The National Audubon Society, ATTN: Donations, 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10014 or to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the McGovern family.
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