Barbara Jeanne McGovern (nee Male), 75, passed away Saturday, August 13 peacefully in her bed with her beloved dog Frey by her side. Barbara was born September 11, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois, to Helene and John Francis Male. Eventually, her family settled in California. She graduated High School in 1957. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from California Western University, a Master’s Degree in English from Tulane University, and a Doctoral Degree in English from Ohio State University. In California, she first learned to play the piano, which became a lifelong source of joy. That joy, and her talent, led her to briefly pursue a course of study with the goal of becoming a concert pianist. However, she decided that teaching was her true calling. At the age of 22, she took her first teaching position at Radford University in Virginia. There, she met Robert McGovern, whom she would marry in 1964. They moved to Ashland, Ohio in 1965. She bore and raised four children: Nicholas, Brigid, James, and Tara. She returned to teaching at Ashland University where she taught several years. After she earned her Doctorate, she became a professor at Ohio State University, Mansfield, where she taught until her death. Although aspects of her character can be inferred from this list of events and accomplishments, such a simplification does a disservice. She was hard working. She was an educator. She was a mother. She was a musician. As noble as those descriptors may be, they but scratch the surface. Nurturing, kind, welcoming, supportive, and generous also begin to describe, but do not suffice. Considering her lifelong passion for English, it is great irony that words prove inadequate to capture the limitless wellspring of her compassion, the depth of her love for her friends and family, and the joy she realized from helping others. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert McGovern and her son, Nicholas McGovern. She is survived by: her sister and brother-in-law Joan and Dick Spencer; her sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Bentley Palfreyman; her daughter, Brigid McGovern; her son, James McGovern; her daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Carl Talsma; her nine grandchildren: Natasha, Dominic, Trinity, and Daniel Mattox; Nissa, Samantha, and Grace McGovern; and Cassidy and Jeremiah Talsma; and her dear friend, David Tovey. She is also survived by the father of the Mattox grandchildren, Paul Mattox; and mother of the McGovern grandchildren, Susan McGovern. Funeral services will be held, Monday, August 22, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Road, Mansfield, OH 44903 with Pastor Bruce Haapalainen officiating. Interment will be in the Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call three hours prior to the service from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, 401 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805 where Barbara was a loyal supporter and a board member for many years. For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com. Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and Crematory is privileged to be handling the arrangements for Barbara J. McGovern.