Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern announces death of his daughter in Italy
Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern on Thursday announced the unexpected death of his daughter, who was visiting a friend in Europe.The Worcester Democrat, his wife Lisa and their son Patrick said Molly McGovern faced a rare cancer diagnosis but had just finished a semester abroad in Australia and then went to Italy to visit a friend and his family. “Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already,” the McGovern family said in a statement. They described Molly as bringing joy to all who knew her. “She lit up every room with her beaming smile—full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant. She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special. She treated people with compassion and kindness—always standing up for the underdog, and making fast friends wherever she went. Her love for the Boston Bruins was fierce, but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends,” the family said. Rep. McGovern is the ranking member of the House Committee on Rules. He recently traveled with other members of Massachusetts’ delegation to Louisiana to visit a Tufts University student who was taken there after being detained by ICE agents.
Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern on Thursday announced the unexpected death of his daughter, who was visiting a friend in Europe.
The Worcester Democrat, his wife Lisa and their son Patrick said Molly McGovern faced a rare cancer diagnosis but had just finished a semester abroad in Australia and then went to Italy to visit a friend and his family.
“Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already,” the McGovern family said in a statement.
They described Molly as bringing joy to all who knew her.
“She lit up every room with her beaming smile—full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant. She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special. She treated people with compassion and kindness—always standing up for the underdog, and making fast friends wherever she went. Her love for the Boston Bruins was fierce, but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends,” the family said.
Rep. McGovern is the ranking member of the House Committee on Rules. He recently traveled with other members of Massachusetts’ delegation to Louisiana to visit a Tufts University student who was taken there after being detained by ICE agents.
