Margaret A. (Reinsant) McGovern

Middletown, R. I. - Margaret “Peg” Alice McGovern, 93, formerly of Prospect, Connecticut, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at the Grand Islander Center in Middletown, R.I. She was the devoted wife of the late John D. McGovern for 56 years.

Born in Pawtucket, R. I. on December 24, 1929, Peg was a daughter of the late George and Robea (LaPlante) Reinsant.  She lived most of her life in Prospect, Connecticut, then spent 14 years living in Barefoot Bay, Florida before returning to Connecticut in 2006. Peg received a Bachelor of Education from Rhode Island College and a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Prior to retiring in 1990, Peg was a school teacher in the Prospect school system for 33 years. In 1975, she was inducted into the Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America. Peg was a communicant at the Church of St. Gregory in Bristol and formerly of St Anthony’s Parish in Prospect.

Peg was the life of the party and brought laughter and fun everywhere she went. Peg participated in youth sports in Rhode Island playing softball and basketball. She met her husband John on a blind date and they went on to spend 56 memorable years together. Peg contributed greatly to civic activities in the Prospect community in addition to her teaching. She was an active member of the Prospect PTA, Scholarship Committee, St. Anthony’s Guild and was a Little League Women’s Auxiliary Charter member, serving 2 years as president. Peg shared her love of sports and physical education by teaching slimnastics classes and coaching women’s youth softball.

She is survived by her five children: John D. McGovern Jr. and his wife Gina of The Villages, Florida, David M. McGovern of Wildwood, Florida, George E. McGovern and his wife Jo-Ann of The Villages, Florida, Kathleen E. Coyne and her husband Jerry of Middletown, R.I., and Laura J. Phillips and her fiancé Brian Goad of Bloomington, Indiana, twelve grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers George and Raymond and sisters Claire and Lynne.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the medical and nursing staff at the Grand Islander Center for their extraordinary and compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 8:30 am to 10 am at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. Funeral mass will follow at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd. Prospect.  Procession to church will leave the funeral home at 10:40am.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

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