US Rep. Jim McGovern's daughter, Molly, dies 'unexpectedly' after battling cancer, family says

Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald on Apr 24, 2025

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Molly McGovern, the daughter of U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, died “unexpectedly” in Italy Wednesday evening after a battle with cancer, the Massachusetts Democrat said in a statement.

In a statement from Jim McGovern, his wife Lisa, and their son Patrick, the family said Molly McGovern, 23, faced a “rare cancer diagnosis” with “relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity — refusing to let her illness slow her down.”

“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. She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years,” the family said.

Molly McGovern had just finished a semester abroad in Australia and “passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family,” the family said.

The family said Molly McGovern had a “fierce” love for the Boston Bruins.

“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 family said.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark said her “heart breaks” for the McGovern family.

“I can imagine no greater pain as a parent than losing a child. Molly was an incredible source of light and love in their lives and cherished in our congressional family,” Clark said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with the McGoverns at this devastating time of grief.”

Gov. Maura Healey said she was “heartbroken” for the McGovern family.

“Molly was a light in her family’s lives and the lives of so many. 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,” the governor said in a statement.

Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan said the “world lost a bright light” with Molly McGovern’s death.

“Molly McGovern was a sweet, loving, smart, funny, and caring person. She was a gift to all who knew her. She fought hard against a rare form of cancer, but never lost her joy, sense of adventure,e or optimism,” Kerrigan said in a statement.

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