WILMINGTON — Phyllis Elizabeth McGovern, widow of Eugene F. McGovern, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the age of 84, with her children by her side.
She was the devoted wife of Eugene, a construction industry icon and founder of Lehrer/McGovern Inc. Phyllis lived a life filled with warmth, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to her family and community. She will be remembered for her beauty, style, grace, generosity, and the love she shared with those around her.
She leaves behind cherished family members, dear friends, and a legacy of strength and compassion. Phyllis’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Phyllis was born in 1940 in New York City to Daniel and Elizabeth McCarthy. A city girl in her younger years, she grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and graduated from Blessed Sacrament High School.
Her father was a banker, while her mother and sister, Geraldine, were registered nurses. Phyllis developed a passion for business, real estate, accounting, and economics. She studied business and psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University and was a licensed real estate broker, excelling in her field with intelligence and determination.
Phyllis possessed the style and grace of a queen, combined with the beauty and fashion sense of a Hollywood leading lady. But her true beauty extended far beyond appearances—it was her inner strength, intellect, and charm that captivated those around her.
A devoted matriarch, Phyllis fiercely protected and cared for her family. She was the proud mother of four children, grandmother to thirteen grandchildren, and great-grandmother to four. Known as the family’s “ROCK,” she was always there to support, guide, and uplift her loved ones through life’s challenges.
In 2000, Phyllis moved to the Landfall Community in Wilmington, NC, to be closer to her best friend and daughter, Phyllis Jean (PJ), who had relocated there with her husband, Allan, and their three children. She also maintained a residence in Palm Beach, where she spent much of her life.
Phyllis had a deep love for travel, history, fashion and architecture and impeccable eye for design, and a natural elegance that shone through in everything she did—whether repositioning real estate or orchestrating charitable events, she always did so with effortless style and grace.
She leaves behind her beloved children and their spouses: Eric and Donna, Daniel and Tessa, Derek and Gina, and Phyllis Jean and Allan. She was a cherished grandmother to Ryan, Jordan, Christopher, Danielle, Phillip, Colton, Tyler, Garrett, Katie, Dylan, Gene, Maxx, and PJ, and a great-grandmother to Aydin, Reese, Miles and Genevieve.
She also leaves behind two cherished sister-in-law’s Lorna and Patti and many dear friends who will miss her dearly.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3rd, from 6 PM-8 PM, with a Service on Friday, April 4th, at 11 AM at Andrews Mortuary, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm following the service at the residence of PJ and Allan Middleton.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choosing.
