Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern’s office announced on Tuesday that his daughter, Molly McGovern, had unexpectedly passed away while visiting Italy. She was only 23. The Democratic representative shared that Molly had been battling a rare form of cancer and had just wrapped up a semester of studying abroad in Australia. McGovern often posted photos and videos of himself and his daughter, including a video of her attending the 2017 Women’s March and meeting Hillary Clinton as a child.
Molly McGovern Fought With Tenacity
“Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity—refusing to let her illness slow her down,” McGovern said in a statement. “She passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family.”
“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,” her father said. “She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years,” McGovern said.
He added, “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 friends wherever she went”.
Molly McGovern Loved The Bruins
McGovern shared that his daughter had a lifelong love of hockey and the Boston Bruins. “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,” he said. “If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light with you. She had that kind of effect on people.”
Leaders Offer Condolences
Katherine Clark, the Democratic House Whip, released a statement saying her “heart breaks” For McGovern and his family. “I can imagine no greater pain as a parent than losing a child,” Clark said. “Molly was an incredible source of light and love in their lives and cherished in our congressional family.”
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey released a statement saying, “She was a kind, smart, and compassionate young woman who touched the lives of many. We are all feeling the sadness of her being taken too soon.” Molly McGovern left behind her father, mother, Lisa, and one brother, Patrick. Congressman McGovern says Molly McGovern was the “soul of her family.”
Rep. McGovern Mourns
“We are so proud of her and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life,” McGovern said. “We love you, Molly. We miss you already.” McGovern’s wife, Lisa, is the executive director for the Prevent Cancer Foundation Congressional Families Program.
Last week, McGovern visited the Louisiana ICE detention center to advocate for the release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student. McGovern has been the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee since 2018. McGovern is the second congressman to announce the loss of a child. Last week, Rep. Andy Biggs announced that his adult daughter had also lost her battle with cancer.
