Anne McGovern Gerard

     Anne McGovern Gerard, loving wife of the late William “Bill” Gerard, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2024 in the warm embrace of her family and friends at Village Glen Memory Care in Lake Geneva, WI after a glorious day of laughter and singing.

     Beloved mother of Tara (Mark) Moran, Mark (Joanna) Gerard, Michael Gerard, M.D., William (Virginia) Gerard, and Kevin (Margaret) Gerard. Proud and loving grandmother of Grace, Garrett, Liam, Finnian, Moira, Gavin, Catherine, Hannah, Aiden, Nina, Elise and Gabriella. Loving sister-in-law to the late Patricia (Eugene) Eldridge and the late Rosemary Mitchell. Aunt of John Eldridge, M.D. (Paula) and Jim Eldridge. Daughter of Patrick J. McGovern and Mary Ellen “Mae” Farrell McGovern of New York City, NY where she was born on February 28, 1940. The daughter of Irish immigrants who worked hard to become tavern owners in Manhattan, Anne was so proud of her heritage, which shined daily. Like her parents, she loved being an American and sharing her love of that gift and the gift of this life.  

     Anne attended Mother Cabrini High School in Manhattan, NY and then left at age 17 to attend Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English. Anne met the love of her life, Bill, her senior year. After graduation Anne taught high school students until marrying Bill and retiring to raise a family. Anne and Bill eventually settled in Barrington, IL where they were incredibly involved with their children’s sports activities and the community. During those years, Anne learned to play tennis, making her way up the leaderboard to become an A player. Once the kids were raised, Anne became a realtor. It was also during these years Anne and Bill discovered Door County, WI and their love of fishing and sailing. 

     In the 1990s, once they were empty nesters, Anne and Bill transitioned to year-round residents in Sister Bay. Anne loved selling real estate and her move from Illinois to the Door County real estate market was very successful. Anne earned the top sales associate award four times. 

     Anne was often seen walking her Australian Shepherd, Alex, and chatting with whomever she encountered. She loved talking and interacting with people, and we will all miss her magnetic and warm personality. 

     Once her beloved Bill passed on May 24, 2016, Anne stayed in Sister Bay for two more years until moving to Lake Geneva to be closer to her children and grandchildren. The grandchildren were regaled by her stories at the dinner table and could always count on their biggest fan sitting in the bleachers and auditoriums. She was so very present for them, celebrating every success and loving them. Anne was positive, engaging, and so funny. Anne spent her final years sharing these special gifts and making people smile.

     "Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the team at Village Glen Memory Care in Lake Geneva. You made the last 16 months of Anne’s life filled with so much love, friendship, and laughter. You loved her smile, and she loved your attention!" 

     Anne's life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial prayed at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Stella Maris Parish-Sister Bay site, 2410 S. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI 54234 with Father Thomas Farrell as celebrant. She will be laid to rest in Little Sister Cemetery in the Town of Liberty Grove, WI, beside her husband, Bill.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable via mail or online to the Sisters of the Holy Cross, 100 Lourdes Hall - Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5014; cscsisters.org (stating your donation is directed to the “‘retirement’ of the elderly nuns”). Memorial donations may also be made payable to the Alzheimer’s Association in support of the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Lake Geneva, and specifically Anne’s recent home, Village Glen Memory Care. These memorial donations for AA may be mailed directly to Village Glen Memory Care, 723 S. Curtis St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147. 

     Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay, WI is assisting the Gerard family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Anne may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

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