In today’s world of loud, instant promotion and publicity for the smallest of deeds, Houstonians should — by rights — know all about Kathrine G. McGovern, who passed away on Friday, December 1 at age 90.
The McGoverns’ names are prolific and mark major entities all around the city: medical schools, art colleges, the zoo, even the beloved Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park. Together and through their foundation, Dr. John P. McGovern (who passed away in 2007) and his beloved Kathrine led tireless philanthropic efforts including a staggering $163 million — alone — to three major city entities: UTHealth Houston (some $93 million across six schools); the Houston Zoo ($50 million); and University of Houston ($20 million).