Alice Regan Mcgovern

Alice Marie Rita Regan McGovern passed away from this life to her eternal home on July 22,2020. Alice was born Jan 28, 1926 at Lying In Hospital NY, NY to Michael and Anna {Rheaume} Regan and started out her life in Riverdale, NY.

Her early education started in public school in {da} Bronx. She transferred to a private boarding school on scholarship for grades 6th through 12, skipping 5th grade. At Thevenet Hall Academy her favorite subjects were math and languages. Although she was accepted to Hunter College, on advise from teacher Mother St Helen, she enrolled in Packard Business School. Upon completion of all her courses Alice headed to Manhattan for employment. She found that at Esso {now Exxon}, working for an executive, but of course everyone knew Alice ran the company.

Alice said one of the happiest days of her life was her wedding day when she married John “Jack” McGovern in 1947. After a honeymoon at a dude ranch in NY state, they settled down to married life on W 186th St NYC. In 1952 they moved to the suburbs of NJ, Glen Rock with their 1st son in tow. By 1956 two more sons {dirty camels} came along to complete their family. They lived in NJ for 35 years before escaping to Bedford in 1985 to Alice’s brand-new dream house. Those were happy days.

Alice was all about family and friends of which she had many in both categories. Many a wonderful family and friends meal was shared at her dining room table. An excess of both food and laughter. Alice knew what to do with a roast without any instructions. Her specialties were roast beef, pot roast and lamb. You ate too much and laughed and talked too much. Especially if, without naming names: Evelyn Johnson and Del Amnott were present. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, crossword puzzles, keeping records and ice cream. A devout Catholic her entire life, Alice was a communicate of Holy Name of Mary Church in Bedford.

Alice’s life was not all a bed of roses. Her brother going off to war at a young age was distressing. When her weeks old youngest son was found to have a stenosis of the stomach that required emergency surgery her faith and fortitude got her and him through. Most difficult thing was when her eldest son was in a severe motorcycle accident at a young age and had a 10% chance to survive. Alice lived her faith through the dark days. He survived and will be 70. Of course, with 3 boys you come to expect at least one of them will bust their head open or worse every other week and these 3 did not disappoint. Jack, her faithful husband died after a long and difficult illness at 71. Alice persevered, not complaining. She knew death was not the opposite of life but part of it. Alice did say she would not marry again. We believed her. But never say never.

At 81, Alice had a whirlwind romance. A charmer, Orlando Gonzalez, asked Alice to marry him and she did. “Gonzy” had been Jack’s best friend. His wife of 65 years had died. So the “lovebirds” became snowbirds, traveling back and forth between Palm Coast, Fl and Bedford. It was magical seeing them live a full wonderful life, a renewed life. Eventually they both moved to Bedford County Nursing Home and shared a room together, always together. Twelve years they had till Gonzy’s death last year at just shy of 98.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents,1st husband of 46 years Jack McGovern, 2nd husband Gonzy Gonzalez, and dear cousin Joan Maietta of Warwick, NY. Survived by her 3 sons and their wives. Jim and Judy of Bedford, Kevin and Trisha and John and Kathleen. Two grandsons, David McGovern and Daniel McGovern all of New Jersey. Step- son Thomas Gonzalez and wife Patricia. Sisters Anna Smith of CA and Madeline Wyks of NJ. Brother Michael Regan of NJ. God daughters Christine Regan of NJ and Beth Johnson of WA. Special friend Nathalie Stip of KY. A host of dear and caring nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, church family and nursing home family.

The McGovern family has many thanks to offer and we are so grateful to the following. Dr Brian Buchanan. Valerie Agee, you are like family. Each and every person at Bedford County Nursing Home. Not enough words to thank the best nursing home in the country. To Bedford Centra Hospice and Bedford Hospital. Thanks Kayla, Rosie and Dr Beahm. To all of you: your caring, professionalism, concern and compassion warmed our hearts more than you’ll ever know.

Sweetheart {as you called me} you will be sorely missed, always in our hearts and memories. We love you; you love us, and love never die

Visitation will be at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford on Monday July 27th from 5 to 7. A funeral Mass with burial following will be at Holy Name of Mary Church, Bedford on Tuesday July 28th, 2020

In lieu of flowers kindly consider donations to Holy Name of Mary Church, 1307 Oakwood St, Bedford, Va 24523. Or: Shepard’s Table, 217 W Washington St, Bedford, VA 24523 Or: Bedford Pregnancy Center, 813 E Main St Bedford, VA 24

To send online condolences, please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.