Gail A. McGovern

Gail Ann McGovern, age 73, of Saint Peters, Missouri passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 26, 1950 to Lewis and Marie Hanson (nee Piner). 

After graduating from high school Gail married and gave birth to her son, John, while building a 30-year career at Boeing. While Gail was raising her son, she and her sister Judy took John and Judy’s son, Mike, on trips to Florida, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. They would take a small boat out into the ocean, spending hours scuba diving and snorkeling. They explored fish, sea fans, and seashells. She and Judy enjoyed watching the boys breakdance in Jamaica—one of the many cherished memories she loved recalling during family holiday gatherings.

Life brought Gail and her devoted husband, Steve, together for a fabulous second half of life. They have been together 30 years, sharing adventures on Steve’s Harley, hosting family events and parties, and traveling with friends and family. Together, they made their grandkids, Wesley and Claire, an absolute priority. Gail would regularly pick them up from school, sparing them the bus ride or giving them the chance to occasionally sneak out early for lunch. Her unwavering support was evident as she attended countless games and school events, and of course, took the kids to SHOP (IYKYK)! 

Gail was a steadfast and loyal friend. She seemed to collect friends like gems that stay with you for a lifetime – those she started with in school, her neighbors she met when she lived in Wedgewood, colleagues at Boeing and Dr. Burn’s office, and many more. 

Gail possessed a strong work ethic, an adventurous spirit, and the determination to achieve her goals, all complemented by her distinctive style. It makes perfect sense that her parents affectionately nicknamed her “little Goat”. In time, we would come to know her as The G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).

Gail was the centerpiece of our lives, and her absence is felt with the deepest of sorrow.

Gail is survived by her husband, Steve McGovern; son, John (Liz) Hauk; stepdaughter, Maggie (Bob) Bigos; four grandchildren, Wesley Hauk, Claire Hauk, Ashley Bigos, Jack Bigos; sister, Judy Akin; brother, James (late Debbie) Hanson; niece, Felicia (Murray) Franklin; nephews, Michael (April) Akin, Felix Hanson; and a host of other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Rosely Hanson; father, William Lewis Hanson. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 2:30 pm with a memorial service immediately following at 2:30 pm Saturday, September 14, 2024 at St. Peters Chapel, Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. 

To share a memory of Gail or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.