By Tara Carron, Archivist and Special Collections Librarian.
The name “McGovern” is etched across major establishments and institutions all over the sprawling city of Houston, ranging from medical schools and art colleges, the zoo, a beautiful lake, as well as the cherished Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park. Kathrine G. McGovern and her late husband, Dr. John P. McGovern (1921-2007) led tireless philanthropic efforts, contributing an astonishing $163 million to three major city entities: UTHealth Houston, the Houston Zoo, and the University of Houston (not to mention the innumerable, smaller donations made over the years).
Since the early 1960s, Kathrine McGovern has quietly been the central powerhouse and patron behind Dr. McGovern’s numerous philanthropic endeavors and deeds. Because of the generosity, influence, and endless support she has devoted to bettering countless Houston communities and lives, she has been—and will continue to be, through the work of the McGovern Foundation—at the heart of some of Houston’s most important educational, conservational, and cultural transformations.
In light of these facts, it would be terribly remiss if we did not take the time to honor and remember the incredible life lived and the perpetual legacy left behind by Kathrine Galbreath McGovern, who passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023, at the age of 90.
Early Life
Kathrine G. McGovern (“Kathy”) was born to Marian and Joseph Galbreath on September 15, 1933, at what is now Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. A true Houstonian through and through, Kathy exemplified the values instilled in her during her formative years in Montrose during the Great Depression. Her father’s struggles as a builder and architect, coupled with his sudden death in 1947, reinforced the importance of family, a strong work ethic, education, and community service. Raised by her mother, Kathy continued to embody these values alongside her sister, Val, as she progressed through Houston’s educational institutions (River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Junior High, Lamar High, and the University of Houston).
Fate’s Hand
While studying business and art at the University of Houston, Kathy’s personal and professional journey would eventually take an unexpected turn. She had been working as a secretary and receptionist for Dr. Goldie Ham, a prominent obstetrician/gynecologist, when fate intervened. In 1958, (two years after Dr. John P. McGovern arrived in Houston to establish his private allergy and pediatric practice), Dr. Ham retired, prompting Kathy to seek new employment. After applying for a job opening at the McGovern Allergy Clinic, she was hired to join forces with Dr. McGovern and his small staff managing the front office and taking dictation. What may have felt like a fairly benign occasion to Kathy at the time would, in fact, turn out to be a rather momentous one, setting into motion a series of events that would alter and enrich her life forever.
Initially, adjusting to the work pace of her new employer and work environment was challenging for Kathy. Her nature was discreet, calm, and relaxed—a stark contrast to Dr. McGovern’s intensity, focus, and boundless energy. Over time, however, they grew quite fond of one another. They learned to enjoy, respect, and love the differences of personality and temperament that existed between them—differences which would ultimately prove advantageous, giving their relationship a sense of balance and stability that would endure for the next forty-six years.
Mrs. McGovern
Their bond evolved gradually and deeply over the next three years, and in 1961, Kathy and Dr. John (“Jack”) McGovern were quietly married in an intimate ceremony at the Palmer Episcopal Church. The newlyweds celebrated their union immediately afterwards in the church parking lot with only a few of McGovern’s closest friends and a bottle of champagne.
Passionate about the ocean and fishing, the couple embarked on a road trip to Florida for their honeymoon, eventually becoming accomplished anglers and cherishing their bay house on West Galveston Island. Marriage brought sporadic contentment to Dr. McGovern, who found solace in Kathrine’s calm presence. In a letter to a colleague, he expressed gratitude for marrying Kathrine, as she finally gave his life a sense of “aequanimitas” at the age of 40.
Patron Saints of Houston
Kathrine continued to play a pivotal role in managing the McGovern Allergy Clinic’s growth over the years. But their involvement in the city and community they loved expanded far beyond Dr. McGovern’s medical practice. The McGoverns were eager to give their time, energy, and resources through the McGovern Foundation. The support they gave through their foundation extended to initiatives they believed would enhance and enrich the lives of Houston’s citizens; the desire to contribute positively to the city and its people was the fundamental ingredient and motivation behind every donation, no matter how big or small, and that is what made their philanthropic work so special. Perhaps the most endearing quality Kathy and Dr. McGovern possessed was their preference to leading a quiet, inconspicuous life, far away from the pomp and spectacle of public recognition and pageantry. They gave without pretense, expectation, or desire for notoriety; altruism and magnanimity was the impetus and reason for it all.
Strong, Silent Leadership
Following Dr. McGovern’s passing in 2007, Kathrine assumed leadership of the John P. McGovern Foundation. Under her guidance, the foundation supported various causes, including programs in the Texas Medical Center, the University of Houston, a $50 million donation to the Houston Zoo in 2018, and a host of other donations to various museums, libraries, and conservation organizations. Notable contributions include the establishment of The John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Centennial Gardens, the Kathrine G. McGovern Flyway, and a transformative $75 million gift to UTHealth Houston.
Kathrine’s impact also extended to the arts, in which a $20 million gift helped establish the Kathrine G. McGovern College of Arts at the University of Houston. In 2019, she received an honorary doctorate for her lifetime dedication to the arts and education.
An Enduring Legacy
Kathy McGovern’s recent passing in December 2023 left a deep void in the Houston community. But, rest assured, her legacy of generosity and altruism lives on through the McGovern Foundation; namely, it is with the help of the foundation’s long-time advisers and facilitators (Julia Mitchell, Sheila Lewis, and William C. Shrader) that Kathy and Dr. John McGovern’s quiet strength and enduring contributions will continue to shape the city’s future for generations to come.
References:
Health Sciences Institute, “Appreciations Reminiscences and Tributes Honoring John P. McGovern“. Houston, Texas, (1980).
Boutwell, Bryant, “John P. McGovern, MD: A Lifetime of Stories“. Texas A&M University Press (2014).
University of Houston, “Honoree & Distinguished Alumni: Kathrine McGovern“. Accessed on January 19, 2024. https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/events/celebration/honoree-awardees/
Elliott, Amber, “Philanthropist Kathrine McGovern, with a history of transformative gifts to Houston, has died at age 90“. Accessed on January 19, 2024. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/kathrine-mcgovern-obit-18541936.php