Sheila McGovern, accomplished executive
Sheila Lynn McGovern, 54, of Wayne, Pa., passed away in her home early Friday morning, Dec. 13, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Sheila was born Jan. 20, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Patricia McFadden and the late Michael McGovern.
Sheila was preceded in death by her father, Michael McGovern; brother John James McGovern; and sister Barbara Claire McGovern. Sheila is survived by her wife and love of her life, Melissa Nassar; her mother Patricia (nee Kish) McFadden; brother Michael Patrick McGovern and wife Nancy; and sister Patricia Ann McGovern. Sheila will also live in the hearts of her nieces and nephews Michael George McGovern and wife Dianna, Joseph John Catagnus and wife Jordan, Stephanie Lyn McGovern, and Christina Marie Estradal and husband Manuel.
In addition to the McGovern family, Sheila will be sorely missed by her Nassar family - the late Glenna Nassar, Gabriel Sr., and Melissa’s siblings, Sam, Rebecca, Laurie, Gabe Jr., David, Jonathan, and Alex as well as their partners and children.
While Sheila’s life was cut far too short, her time on this earth was well lived with passion, love, purpose, and a deep sense of curiosity. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in quantitative business analysis, pursued an MBA at Drexel, and participated in various executive programs at Cornell University and the University of California, Berkeley.
In her professional life, Sheila applied her unique wit and incredible smarts at IBM and EY, building a successful career and reputation as an accomplished and well-respected executive.
Sheila met her wife Melissa in Philadelphia, and they both agreed it was the luckiest night of their lives. While it took almost 30 years, Sheila and Melissa married Oct. 26, 2018, celebrating their love with family and friends at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia; the second happiest night of their lives.
It’s impossible to capture Sheila’s spirit in a few short paragraphs; words simply don’t suffice. Sheila had a unique ability to connect with anyone who had the privilege of meeting her. She lived life joyfully and pursued everything she did with passion, dedication and knowledge. She loved travel of all flavors, but was most fulfilled when tackling a great adventure, be it hiking Machu Picchu, conquering Class 5 rapids in Chile, on safari in Africa, or sailing in Greece. While quiet about it, Sheila was a very accomplished athlete who excelled at every sport she tried (we’re still trying to figure out how she always won!). At work, Sheila always gave her best and loved the work and her co-workers. A beloved friend, Sheila made the effort to stay in touch with friends she made as a child. Truth be told, she wasn’t a great cook, but could bake a mean cookie!
Sheila was a kind, giving and special soul. She battled her disease the way she lived her life…with great dignity and as a warrior. While she may have finished her last trip around the sun with us, we know how happy she was to have been here, with all of us, experiencing this wonderful world.
The family invites all relatives and friends to A Celebration of Life at 6:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, at The Farm House at The People’s Light Theater, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, Pa., with a calling reception to follow until 9:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if contributions were made in Sheila’s honor, to either Unite for HER (UFH), Ovarian Cancer Program, or the Animal Humane Society; please see the respective websites.
Letters of condolence may be sent c/o Kish Funeral Home, P.O. Box 614, Broomall, PA 19008 or via the Kish website www.kishfuneralmemorialhome.com.
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