PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jean E. Govoni, 97, formerly of Lenox Dale, died Wednesday morning at Mount Greylock Extended Care in Pittsfield. 

Born in Pittsfield on Nov. 21, 1923, the daughter of Arthur and Mary Barris Harper, she grew up in the Morningside neighborhood of Pittsfield with her seven brothers and sisters and attended Pittsfield schools.

Mrs. Govoni was first employed at the Glix Brandt Pajama Factory in Pittsfield and later worked at Pine Acres, Cranwell Preparatory School, the Lenox Public Schools, and was last employed by Country Curtains.

She enjoyed cooking for family gatherings especially summertime backyard picnics and Christmas. Baking Christmas cookies became a signature family treasure. She also enjoyed knitting and handcrafts and was active in her Parish of St. Vincent de Paul in Lenox Dale.

Mrs. Govoni and her husband, Ceasar C. Govoni, were married at Mt. Carmel Church in Pittsfield on Sept. 20, 1941. Mr. Govoni died in 1991. 

Jean is survived by three daughters; Rosemary Casey of Pittsfield, Marilyn Herrman of Pittsfield, Jean Hughes (John) of California; and son Richard Govoni of Lenox Dale; grandchildren Linda Tyer, Sean Casey, Amy Heath, Gregory Herrman, Michael Hughes and Sarah Bunker, and Matthew Govoni and Melissa Govoni; great-grandchildren Caroline Casey, Anna Grace Casey, Anthony Heath, Hadley Herrman, Jocelyn Herrman, Tanner Hughes, Alissa Hughes, Adeline Bunker, Emily Bunker, Harper Govoni, and Daeshon Clifford, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her brothers Louis, James, Charles, and Carson Harper and her sisters Margaret Robitaille, Ruth Lowry, and Shirley Desantis.

The funeral for Mrs. Jean E. Govoni will be Monday morning at 10:30 from the ROCHE FUNERAL HOME followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Lenox Dale celebrated by the Rev. Monsignor John J. Bonzagni, Pastor. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. 

Calling hours, the morning of the funeral are from 9-10:30. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Govoni's memory may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires in care of the funeral home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.

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