Mildred Jean (Lally) McGovern

101, of Narragansett, RI passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Mildred “Mil” was born on April 26, 1924 in Providence, RI. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (McDonald) Lally. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph J. McGovern, Sr.

Mil grew up in the Fox Point neighborhood in Providence. She attended the Cleary School and then St. Xavier High School, where she was the class treasurer for the graduating class of 1942. She then went to work with her brother at the New England Telephone Company.

She met her husband, Joe, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet and they had three sons together, Joe, Don, and Bob. They danced their way through 58 years travelling to Ireland, Hawaii, Canada and around the country. They shared many laughter-filled evenings with friends, playing card games and listening to records. Mil was a devoted Red Sox fan. She followed every game and especially enjoyed listening to games on the radio.

After her sons were all in school, Mil worked for the Providence School Department as an Administrative Assistant for 20 years, retiring in 1987. Upon retiring, Mil did not slow down. She was a dedicated hospital volunteer and was proud of her 25 years of service in the Development Department at South County Hospital. She also visited nursing homes to keep people company and bring some cheer to their day. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish for over 50 years.

Mildred leaves her son, Donald J. McGovern, of Narragansett, her daughter-in-law Maryellen Delaney McGovern, married to the late Joseph McGovern Jr., of Narragansett. She was the loving Nana of Kathryn Dowling and her husband Michael Dowling of Glastonbury, CT, Jennifer Hart and her husband Richard Hart, III of Stratton, VT, and Meaghan McGovern of Warwick, RI. She was the Great Nana to James, Molly, Alice, Rhett, Kipling, and Lincoln. She was a great aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was the mother to the late Robert T. McGovern, and sister to the late Donald Lally Sr., married to the late Frances Lally, and sister to the late Marjorie Lally.

Millie will be fondly remembered by family and friends. She was a kind and beautiful soul. She had a wonderful life and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864.