Mary Francis Govin

With her grown babies by her side, Mary Govin passed gently on November 19, 2024 in Rock Hill, SC. She was born November 7, 1944 in Boston, MA. Daughter of the late John and Catherine (McDonough) Timmons.

Throughout her life Spectacle Island was a place Mum endlessly returned. Whether physical,  in memory, or in spirit. Shared memories with her big sister Katie were often retold. Ocean waters all about, high grasses and tamped down pathways, large glass bottles of sparkling color.

So began her love of the water. She couldn’t swim but loved Spectacle and Castle Island, schooner trips and summer days on Panther Pond. She loved tug boats and lighthouses.

She married a Coastie and she was his “Mair.” They shared a love of nature and water.  “Nature is my Church” she often would say. She collected rocks, feathers and pieces of tree. Dragon fly bodies and autumn leaves. She never went to a park, garden or woods without taking a piece back home with her.

She loved her large, extended, crazy family - forever surrounded by cousins and aunties. They spent a lifetime together of “pee-your-pants” laughter. It would be hard to recount all the ways Mary shared her life and love with all of them.

Her role as Mum and Gramma, Damma, Gram and Commandant was her whole world, her existence. Where she felt most comfortable and at her best.  She knew how to make good humans. Not the ones who accomplish the most or do the right things or look beautiful on surface. She made good humans from the inside out… real ones.

She showed how to be empathetic and kind, how to squabble and forgive, she showed how to not let go of family, and the value of coming back.

She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many including her husband of 44 years, John Govin. Her children and their spouses; Sean & MaryAnn (Jackson VT), Ann (Rock Hill SC), Kak & Dave (Murrells Inlet SC), Paul and A’ndrea (Marlborough MA), Randy (Rock Hill SC) and Jeff (Rock Hill SC). As well as 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, with whom she shared a special connection. Her sister Katie and husband Ron, her late brother Jack, and her brother and soul mate Mike, and his late wife Chris.

A celebration of life will be held on Spectacle Island July 19, 2025 at 2PM. Join us, mum would love it.

“Our heart is known by the path we walk”

Services in care of Bass Cauthen Funeral Home.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.