Kathleen M McGovern, age 82, a resident of Villa St. Benedict in Lisle, IL, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026.

She was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago with her sister Ginger. She attended Saint Tarcissus Grade School and Alvernia High School, where she excelled both on the basketball court and in math class.

Kathleen married Thomas McGovern and loved becoming part of the extended McGovern family. Kathy, together with Tom, were blessed with four loving daughters: Karen (Bob) Gorgol, Theresa (Jerry) Hinck, Colleen (Bob) Wagner, and Dawn (Dane) Swenson. It was no secret that her daughters, along with her nine grandchildren—Matthew (Sapphire), Ryan (Jamie), and Sarah Gorgol; Thea and Grace Hinck; Griffin and Connor Wagner; and Danielle and Delaney Swenson—were her greatest source of pride and joy.

Her daughters admired her strength, intelligence, and determination. Kathy was hardworking and fiercely independent. Whether waitressing, working in real estate, or pursuing her education, she tirelessly worked her way through school and went on to become a highly accomplished computer programmer. Over the years, she formed many lasting friendships; colleagues and friends alike were drawn to her wit, loyalty, and candid nature.

Kathy had a wide range of interests, from antiquing and photography to listening to books on tape. Every fall Sunday, she could be found at home cheering on the Chicago Bears, which she affectionately referred to as “The Stumblebums.” She cherished hosting Sunday night family dinners, relishing the time spent with her daughters and their families. Traveling the world was another passion; she loved learning about the places she visited, often accompanied by her family, friends, and companion John Trelo.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel at Villa St. Benedict 1910 Maple Ave., Lisle, IL 60532. A private interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers (the Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel cannot accomodate flowers), contributions in Kathy’s memory can be directed to:

Villa St. Benedict — benedictineliving.org 

Morton Arboretum — mortonarb.org 

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.