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Patricia Joy McGovern died on Thursday, June 17, 2010.  She was 83, and what a packed-full 83 years she had.

The factoid about her that never ceased to amaze me was that she was a professional swimmer AND fire baton twirler, AT THE SAME TIME.  She was in the Aqua Follies (remember that?  If you do, you’re probably even older than me!) and was the one who was right in the middle of everything kicking so that she was almost out of the water and twirling fire batons, yes, AT THE SAME TIME.  That’s a pretty tough act to follow.  She was the best mother-out-law, then mother-in-law, and mother-out-law again, anyway, the best ever, a positive and directive influence way back when, and a joy to be around. I remember the never-ending struggles with overwhelmed washing machines and dryers and cars trying to cope with a larger-than-life family.  My favorite memory is of any meal at her house, with 800 people and as many conversations going on all at the same time.  Her door, her heart, and her ear were always open.

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That’s Pat in the middle, flanked by Peggy and I, at the St. Lawrence Band reunion back in August of 2005.  Can’t remember what we were snorting about — that’s just what happens when we all get together.

Here’s her obituary:

Patricia Joy McGovern – Obituary

Visitation

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 5-8 p.m.
Cremation Society of MN, Brooklyn Park
7835 Brooklyn Blvd.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Wednesday, 1 hour before service at Church of Open Door

Funeral Service

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 11a.m.
Church of the Open Door
9060 Zanzibar Lane N.
Maple Grove, MN