Dr. Kathy Ann McGovern

Dr. Kathy Ann McGovern of Annapolis, MD died on December 1, 2013 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD. She was 55. Dr. McGovern was born May 10, 1958, in Washington, DC, the daughter of the late John McGovern and Gloria “Saunders” McGovern. She graduated from The Academy of the Holy Names in Silver Spring, MD, class of 1975. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and a PhD. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Florida. Dr. McGovern performed post-doctoral work in cell research at Johns Hopkins University. She then accepted a faculty position at the University of Arizona where she worked for 13 years. While at the University of Arizona, Dr. McGovern was prominent in research into drug interactions in cells, the design, building and use of bioreactor systems for cancer cells, and the development of targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatments (for which she holds a patent). She later taught 3rd grade at the Children’s Success Academy in Tucson, bringing her passion for science and education to the classroom. She assisted in developing a technology program for the school and wrote a grant to purchase new student and teacher computers. Her passion for children and science resulted in most of her former 3rd grade students attending college, many of whom are the first in their families to do so. Several are now on full scholarships in science and engineering – all due to her sparking their interest. Dr. McGovern spent years volunteering as a court appointed Special Advocate, mentoring children with attachment disorder difficulties. Her compassion extended to the animal world, rescuing many dogs and training most of them in agility performance. She was an international agility judge. Dr. McGovern also had a love for dance, music and reading. She is survived by three brothers, John H. McGovern III and wife Margaret of Olney, MD, Steven J. McGovern and wife Jennifer of Rock Hall, MD, and Mark R. McGovern and wife Christine of Sykesville, MD. She was an aunt to Kelly McGovern McCormick, Patrick McGovern, Brendan McGovern, Leslie McGovern, Kirsten McGovern and Alexa McGovern. A Celebration of Kathy’s life will be held January 11, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Inn at Huntingfield Creek 4928 Eastern Neck Road Rock Hall, MD 21661. In lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to Dr. Nanci Aiken, make checks payable to the Children’s Success Academy,P.O. Box 11368, Tucson, AZ 85734.

Dr. Kathy Ann McGovern

May 10, 1958 - December 1, 2013