Paula T. (DiPilato) McGovern, 66, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Paula was the cherished daughter of Helen S. (Byczkowski) and Guiseppi DiPilato. She was a proud graduate of Burncoat High School, where she formed many lifelong friendships.

Following high school, Paula worked alongside her mother in a local nursing home, where her compassion and gentle heart touched the lives of many residents and their families.

During her younger years, she met the love of her life and soulmate, John “Jack” P. McGovern. Together for 50 years and married for 46, Paula and Jack shared a truly special and unwavering bond. They were inseparable, standing side by side through life’s joys and challenges.

Paula devoted herself to her family as a stay-at-home mother to her loving and cherished daughter, Kristal. She was especially known for making the best meatballs and sauce using her father’s cherished recipe. She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. Paula loved to read, the beach, especially trips to Cape Cod and Rhode Island. She loved to spend time with friends and family. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs, Logan and Gizmo. She also cared for Darla and Maverick as if they were her own.

She leaves behind many who will miss her dearly, including her beloved husband, John “Jack” P. McGovern; her daughter Kristal, her sister, Roseanne McLaughlin and her husband James; her sisters-in-law, Joyce Clark and her husband Michael, and Maureen Mitchell and her husband Steven; and her brother-in-law, George. She also leaves many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Paula is reunited with her brothers, Leo DiPilato and Richard “Ricky” Siemaszko; her sister and best friend, Theresa Clancey; and her parents, Helen and Giuseppe DiPilato. They were waiting for her and are now celebrating being together again.

Family and friends are welcomed to a celebration of Paula's life with visitation from 9:00am until 9:45am Thursday, February 19th at St. Columba Parish, 12 Richards Ave., Paxton. A funeral Mass will begin at 10:00am followed by burial in Worcester County Park, Paxton. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation in Paula's name be considered to the St. Jude foundation at https://www.stjude.org/