Shirley Prattini McGovern

Shirley Prattini McGovern passed away peacefully at her daughter’s Madisonville home on June 2, 2022, at the age of 103. She was born to Conrad Charles Prattini and Rita Louise Arnold Prattini in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 12, 1919, just four months after the end of WW1 and during the Spanish Flu.

Shirley was the last survivor of 5 siblings: Cyrill Prattini (Amelia), Norma Penney (Emory Ted), Lloyd Prattini (Frances), Doris Scott (Royce), Ruby D’Orville (Albert).

As a child growing up with a big extended family in one shotgun double house on Touro street, Shirley learned how to love and share. She learned to work hard during the Great Depression, to value herself and others, to sew her own clothes as a teen, to revere religion as a CCD teacher, to graduate from St. Joseph Academy and to be trusted as a cashier. Shirley relished life, laughing easily, making others laugh often, “borrowing” lipstick from her big sister Norma’s purse and dancing until her feet hurt. In 1940, Shirley and Daniel Allen McGovern III (deceased 11/1995) were married and enjoyed life together for 55 years. They began their family prior to Dan’s active duty as a Lieutenant JG on the USS Day until the end of WWII. Ten years later on Hayne Blvd., Shirley and Dan had three more children. With such an age gap, Shirley enjoyed visits from grandbabies while still raising a teen son and giving sleepovers for young daughters.

In all, the McGovern legacy includes 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren: son, Daniel A. McGovern IV (Dianne), grandsons: Daniel G., Steven; daughter, Patricia McGovern Williams, grandchildren: Katherine, Lynn Eric; son, Glenn C. McGovern (Erika), grandchildren: Celeste, Megan, Matthew, Elena; daughter, Susan McGovern Schultz (Jeff Brown), granddaughter: Amy Schultz Marshall; daughter, Shirley Catherine McGovern (deceased 3/1996).

Shirley was a true friend and wise confidant to many and “Grandma Shirley” to all who needed a hug. She supported her husband as a 9th Ward State Senator and a founding parishioner of St. Maria Goretti Parish Church.

Shirley logged a million miles on mass transit and Yellow Cab because she never drove, but flew to Mexico often and loved Mariachi music. She never learned to ride a bike because her parents could not afford one, and she never learned to swim. But she taught her children to ride a bike and hosted backyard swim parties for Clifton L. Ganus School teachers, family and friends.

Shirley loved Mardi Gras, attending parades, balls and making costumes for her children. She hosted a legendary Christmas Night party including her signature hogshead cheese circles atop Ritz crackers. Shirley loved to dance to Leon Kelner at the Blue Room in the Roosevelt Hotel and shop on Canal Street.

At 87, all 5 feet of Shirley fought like a tigress to defeat cancer. Shirley believed in looking her best even to “make groceries”. She wore makeup to Dollar Tree and had her hair done every Friday until she was 102. After moving to Slidell in 1997, Shirley hosted neighborhood Pokeno, and with a little help from her “condo gal pals” and her beautician, still lived independently until past 102.

Shirley loved St. Therese the Little Flower, family and doing what’s right. Shirley’s mantra as expressed on her 101st Birthday was “Be Kind”…..You should take the time to do something nice for others……I wish people would do it more.” To paraphrase Betsy McGovern Mason, Shirley has been “making the world a better place for over a century.” Bravo, Shirley!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 1 PM. Visitation will begin at 11 AM. A graveside service will follow Mass in Lake Lawn Park

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Society of the Little Flower, 1313 Frontage Road, Darien, IL 60651, (800)621-2806 or your favorite charity.