Wanda McGovern

Wanda Helen McGovern, 97, of Beardstown, Illinois, passed away on September 23, 2023, in Beardstown. She was born on October 10, 1925, in Beardstown to Herb and Zelma Wells. Wanda was the beloved wife of Bill McGovern for 65 years until his passing. Together, they had two children, Bill Jr. and Terry.

Wanda believed in the value of family and treated everyone as her own, including her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She cherished her relationships with family and friends, always making time for heartfelt conversations and genuine connections. Wanda was quick to forgive and loved genuinely from her heart.

Wanda was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. She had a strong faith in The Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and she never hesitated to share her faith and the blessings she received from God. Wanda found solace and strength in her faith, attending First Christian Church in Beardstown for many years alongside her husband and sons. She also attended the Congregational Church of Beardstown.

In her career, Wanda dedicated over 33 years to working in long-term nursing home facilities. Starting as a nursing assistant, she worked her way up to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Wanda provided loving care to those in need, going above and beyond her duties. Even after retiring in 1989, she continued to offer private CNA services to individuals in their homes.

Outside of her work and religious commitments, Wanda enjoyed walking. Even at the age of 97, she walked daily, finding comfort in the movement and tranquility it brought her. She continued her walks at St. Anne's Place and the nursing home where she resided in her final days.

Wanda is survived by her son, Bill Jr. and his wife Jan as well as her daughter in law, Lynn (wife of her late son, Terry). She has nine grandchildren, Angela Schisler (Dan) , Stacy Swanger (Mike), Dale Frank (Jami), Kelly McGovern, Rob McGovern Breanna, Dan Frank (Emily), Cappie McGovern, Kory McGovern (Mickayla) and Melissa McGovern (Sean Piper). There are sixteen great grandchildren, Micheala Westfall, Tyler Frank, Shaniah Anderson, Courtney Frank, Hunter Savage, Mary Frank, Emily Pratt, R.D, McGovern, Marcy Frank, Maddie McGovern, Mandy Frank, Olivia McGovern, Jackson Schlueter, Mick Schlueter, A.J. Schlueter, and Drew Dusenbery. Wanda also has two great, great grandchildren, Layla Westfall, and River Jolynn Frank.

Wanda also enjoyed several nieces and nephews. Marilyn McNeil, Bonnie O'Hara, Janet Petersen, Raymond Spoon, Dean Spoon, Rich Davis, Cathy Fleming, Sue Fischer, Debbie Campbell, Judy Stailey, Bob Wells, Susan Treadway, Molly Fesser, Steve Looker, Dottie Chilton, Becky Merriman, Donny McGovern, Christie Jo Graham

Wanda was the daughter of Herb and Zelma Well. She was proceeded in death by her parents, the love of her life, Bill, to whom she was married to for 65 years, her beloved son, Terry and her precious great granddaughter, Emma McGovern. She was the last of her siblings, which included ten brothers and sisters. Victor Wells (died in infancy), Bill Wells, Harold Wells, Dorothy Wells, Eva Wells, Leile Johson, Opal Spoon, Betty Davis, Robert Wells, Vivian Wilhite. She also was the last of her generation of sister and Brother in-laws, all of whom she was very close to. Gene McGovern, Web McGovern, Don McGovern, Dorothy Riley, and Deloris Looker. Wanda also witnessed the passing of several of her nieces and nephews. Mike Wilhite, Kenny Davis, Lee Ann Bietsch, Sharon Spillers, Shelba Dyer, Woody (Herman) Spoon, Tim Looker, Tom Looker, Andy McGovern, Connie Smith, and Janet Shipley.

Funeral services for Wanda McGovern will be held at 10:00a.m. Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at First Christian Church in Beardstown. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 6th at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a family viewing at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Wanda suggested, that those who would like to send, monetary donations be made to the Beardstown Christian Academy, the Congregational Church General Fund, or the Activity Fund at Beardstown Health and Rehab Center. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.

Wanda McGovern will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her spirit of love, forgiveness, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire and guide us.

We believe there are angels among us, sent to make our lives better by just knowing them. Wanda was one of those angels.

From a song written by Steve Goodman/Becky Hobbs and sung by Alabama

"Oh, I believe there are angels among us

Sent down to us from somewhere up above

They come to you and me in our darkest hours

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give

To guide us with the light of love"