Eileen Mcgovern

Eileen McGovern was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 15, 1946 to Eileen and Dennis McGovern. She was the third born in a large Irish Catholic family. She enjoyed close bonds with her family. She decided to go into Nursing which was the perfect field for her. She had a heart of gold.

Growing up in the McGovern Family, there was a dividing line: the big kids, Denny, Sue, Eileen, and Pat. Then the little kids: Terry, Jim, Kathy, Tom, and Touie. The big kids were always expected to help with and set a good example for the little kids. There were always friends in the neighborhood, but they seldom played inside since there were enough kids in the house already! At 16, the kids were all expected to get part-time jobs and contribute $5.00 per paycheck to the house. When Eileen turned 16, she got a job at a bakery with Sue. Once she decided to be a nurse, she worked at or volunteered at hospitals throughout her college years.

She was the maid of honor at Sue, Patricia, and Kathy’s weddings. She had a special bond with her sisters. Never a harsh word, she was beautiful inside and out. She had more dates than all the sisters combined! Eileen was a loving and supportive woman who was dedicated to her family.   She touched all who knew her in a positive and understanding way.  She surely will be missed and will never be forgotten!

Eileen was married and adopted two children: Jessica and Christina. She was the mother of the year, not only was she working all the time, but she made our lunches and did everything she could to set a good example. She was all love, a wonderful mother and a shining example of how to be a good person.

"I have many wonderful memories of my sister Eileen. We shared so many things together as we were growing up. She was a very caring person, a dedicated nurse for many years, and a devoted mother to her two daughters. She was very family-centered and put the needs of others ahead of her own. It was a pleasure to have her as my sister. She will be deeply missed."  – Sue Ciezadlo

Eileen died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, after a 20-year battle with cancer.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eileen and Dennis McGovern; her brothers, Dennis, Terry, and Tom; and her goddaughter, Jean Santangelo. She is survived by her daughters Christina Rethmeier and Jessica Rogalski; her grandchildren. Damien, Samantha, Cody, Lorelai, Freya, and Alexander; her siblings Sue Ciezadlo, Patricia Blades, James McGovern, Kathy Santangelo, and John (Touie) McGovern and their families; many nieces and nephews, as well as grand nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all, as she was loved by everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, Eileen would love if you said a mass in her name at your home church.

A funeral service to celebrate Eileen’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 26, 2024 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 1105 W 15th St. Plano, Texas 75075.