Rep. Jim McGovern (right) discusses nutrition and health with Ambassador Susan E. Rice (middle right), Senator Cory Booker (left) and Senator Mike Braun in Washington D.C. Sept. 22, 2022. McGovern reported in an April 24 statement the death of his daughter, Molly McGovern. Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture
Northeastern fifth-year Molly McGovern, daughter of Mass. Representative Jim McGovern, passed away “unexpectedly” while visiting a friend abroad in Italy, the congressman announced April 24. She was 23 years old.
Molly McGovern, a political science major, was set to graduate in May, according to her LinkedIn profile. She had just ended a study abroad program in Australia when she traveled to Italy to visit a friend.
“Molly radiated pure joy. 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,” an April 24 statement from the family reads. “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.”
Molly McGovern was diagnosed with a rare cancer, which her family said she faced with courage, “refusing to let her illness slow her down.”
Molly McGovern was politically active throughout her college years. She volunteered in Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin’s office in 2022 and interned at the Dewey Square Group, a political consulting and public affairs organization, according to The Boston Globe. She also worked as a sports museum ambassador at TD Garden, according to her LinkedIn.
“She treated people with compassion and kindness — always standing up for the underdog, and making fast friends wherever she went,” the April 24 statement reads. “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. If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light with you. She had that kind of effect on people.”
The McGovern family, which includes Molly McGovern’s mom and brother, said she was full of life and carried a joyous personality.
“Molly will always be the soul of our family,” the statement reads. “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.”