Joann Wallace McGovern

Joann Wallace McGovern of Federal Way, WA entered into eternal rest on October 22nd, 2022.

Joann was born in Deer Lodge, Montana on April 27th, 1949 to Harold and Grace Wallace.

When she was five years old, the family returned to Novinger, Missouri where she spent her childhood and teen years living on the family farm.  Joann loved farm life, especially caring for all the animals, and she very much enjoyed sharing her memories of life on the farm.

She graduated from Novinger High School where she was a member of The National Honor Society and active in band, playing the coronet.

Joann attended Northeast Missouri State University prior to moving to Seattle where she would meet the love of her life, Terry McGovern.

Joann and Terry were happily married, and celebrated 52 years of marriage this year.  They welcomed two children, Laura and Jeff, into their family.  Joann was a devoted wife and mother, spending most of her time building their family life, supporting their children’s activities and endeavors, and enjoying the company of many dear friends and family.

Joann was employed by the Seattle Department of Transportation, working within the Roadway Structures group for 35 years before retiring in 2006. At the time of her retirement, she supervised the bridge operations group which maintains and operated Seattle’s historic movable bridges.

In retirement, Joann enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a regular at their school activities and sporting events, making new friends along the way.

She and Terry travelled during this time, taking trips to Scotland and Ireland, Australia, Alaska, home to the farm in Missouri, for reunions with her childhood school friends, and to many other destinations around the USA. Together, they also enjoyed the excitement of owning race horses and spending time with friends from Emerald Downs.

With the free time gained in retirement, Joann was able to pursue other passions as well… reading and research. She was a voracious reader, belonging to multiple book clubs.  She spent many hours researching family history and genealogy, both Wallace and McGovern. She descended from a soldier who fought for the Americans in the American Revolution. Through her own tenacious research and with the help of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she was able to validate this relationship, leading to her involvement in the DAR.

Joann brought people together to share a lot of love, laughter and happiness. She is missed greatly by her many friends and family.

She is survived by her husband Terry McGovern; son Jeff McGovern (Mari McGovern), son-in-law Jess Woodruff, grandchildren Molly McGovern, Bridget Woodruff, and Kiernan McGovern, her sister Jean Wallace, and many other extended family members. Joann was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura McGovern Woodruff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joann’s memory to Novinger Renewal, Inc PO Box 24, Novinger, MO 63559

 A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am on 11-18-22 at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 30525 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003

To share your condolences and memories of Joann with Family and Friends, please visit her Tribute Wall, located above.

- Care & Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -

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