Obituary of Carmen Dorothy Govan

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful departure of our beloved mother, Carmen Dorothy Govan, who passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. A "Friend to All" and a shining example of generosity, she touched the lives of hundreds and leaves behind a legacy that will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Born on February 7, 1930, Carmen endured the challenges of her early life during the Great Depression and World War II. She embraced life with a spirit of strength, resilience, and kindness toward others.

Carmen was loyal and dedicated to her parents' large extended family. She was known as a cherished friend to those who were fortunate enough to know her. She was often filled with laughter, a warm smile, and genuine interest in others. Whether lending a listening ear or a helping hand, she possessed an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. Her love and generosity extended to hundreds of customers and dozens of employees in her career as a Restaurant Owner / Operator. When Carmen's father, Louis Tersigni, died at 59 years of age in 1968 from cancer, Carmen, then aged 38, and her husband Dave had to assume immediate responsibility for operating Luigi's Rancho, the busy restaurant where they had all worked together. 

Carmen was well known as a positive influence in her community by local business owners, politicians, and government employees alike. She built strong, enduring relationships through the care she provided to everyone she interacted with in her community. Carmen's generosity knew no bounds. Carmen often helped her immediate family and many other families when they needed a helping hand.

Carmen loved flowers and always made sure the gardens at her business and home were filled with geraniums, marigolds, and roses. She also was an avid reader of fiction. She loved music, movies, and all forms of entertainment. Her love for several music genres resonated deeply within her. Her love for her favorite artist, Francis Albert Sinatra, whom she saw live in concert dozens of times, was so extensive she dedicated a night weekly at her restaurant and a room in her home to him. Her reputation as a fan was so well known that she was featured in the newspaper when Frank passed away. However, her true love was reserved for her husband, Dave, which blossomed in their retirement, enjoying many happy days together until Dave's death in 2007. 

Carmen was a gifted social entertainer, hosting scores of gatherings and parties for her family and friends. She enjoyed watching comedy on TV. Later in life, she worked crossword puzzles throughout the day to keep her mind sharp and watched sappy romantic movies on the Hallmark Channel. She also loved to play cards with her grandchildren at family gatherings. 

In her final years, Carmen faced her health battles with courage, living on her own until the age of ninety-three.  She demonstrated resilience and strength that inspired us all. Though her physical presence may no longer be with us, her spirit will forever inspire us.

Carmen is predeceased by her ex-husband, Boniface Lynch, and her husband, David Govan. She is survived by two sons and their wives, Louis B. Lynch and his wife Linda of Bushkill, PA, and David J. Govan and his wife Laura of Bedminster, NJ; granddaughter, Brandi Lynch;  five grandsons, Chase Lynch, John Govan, James Govan, Luke Govan, and Charles Govan; her loving niece, Alexis Siegfried and her husband Bill of Mansfield Twp, both who provided wonderful support for Carmen in her later years. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins from the Tersigni, Russo, and Ricketts families. 

She will forever be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the memories we shared together. 

As we gather to celebrate the life of Carmen, let us remember the profound impact she had on our lives. Let us honor her memory by carrying forward the values she instilled in us and by living lives filled with love and generosity. 

We invite you to join us in a memorial service to honor the life and legacy of Carmen, which will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with a Prayer Service and Life Tributes starting at 11:00 am. All services will be held at Martin Funeral Home located at 1761 Rt. 31, Clinton, NJ, 08809. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Alpha, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to The American Heart Association (Please Click Here to Donate) in memory of Carmen.

Carmen, you will forever be our guiding light, and your love will continue to inspire us each day. We are grateful for the time we shared and find solace in knowing that you are at peace. 

Rest in eternal peace, dear mother. Your memory will forever be etched in our hearts. 

With love and gratitude,

Your loving sons and family