Kathleen "Kay" Govoni, 92, of Burlington, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Wednesday, May 13, at Windrose at Woburn.

Born in Everett, Kay was one of four children of the late Theodore and Catherine (MacDonald) Rogers. She was raised and educated in Burlington and later continued her studies, earning her degree as a registered nurse. Kay dedicated many years of compassionate care to children while working in pediatrics at Choate Hospital. Her gentle nature and nurturing spirit made her perfectly suited for the profession she loved.

Kay met the love of her life, Leo Govoni, following his return from military service. The two fell in love and were married for more than fifty wonderful years, building a life centered around devotion to family and home. Together they welcomed three beloved children who remained the pride and joy of their lives.

When her children were young, Kay opened her home to others by running her own daycare, caring not only for her own family, but for countless neighborhood children whose families needed an extra helping hand. Among the many lives Kay touched through her home daycare was the Hsu family, who began as one of the families she cared for, but quickly became an extension of her own family in every way that mattered. Gina and Ken Hsu, along with their daughters Shayna and Ming, shared a bond with Kay and her family that meant the world to all of them. Shayna, along with her husband Kee, and Ming, along with her husband Stephen and daughter Maya, remained deeply woven into Kay's life through the years. Shayna and Ming were lovingly considered sisters to Kay's daughter, Carolyn, and cherished goddaughters to Kay, a reflection of the extraordinary love and connection Kay created.

She took tremendous pride in being a mother and homemaker. While she would often joke that her cooking left something to be desired, no one ever questioned the warmth, love, and care she poured into her home, which she kept immaculate and welcoming to all who entered.

Kay had a deep and abiding love for nature and animals. Known affectionately throughout town as the "Bird Lady of Burlington," she devoted herself to nursing injured birds, squirrels, and even the occasional duck back to health after they found their way to her doorstep. Her compassion extended to every living creature, and her kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Nothing brought Kay greater happiness than her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She treasured the time she spent caring for her grandchildren when they were young and created countless cherished memories with her growing family.

Kay was also remarkably dedicated to her health and wellbeing. A familiar face at the gym, she maintained a routine of exercising five days a week well into her 80s. In her 50s, she even took up running, embracing every stage of life with determination, strength, and vitality.

In addition to her parents, Kay was predeceased by her loving husband Leo Govoni and her siblings, James Rogers, Margaret McLaren, Donald Rogers and Virginia Lavoie.

She is survived by her adoring children, Leo J. Govoni and his wife Jane of Clearwater, FL., Mark J. Govoni and his wife Denise Dalaker of Warner, NH., and Carolyn Alessi and her husband Tom of Burlington, her beloved grandchildren, Leo J. Govoni, Caitlin Janicki, Marc Govoni, Peter Govoni, Kris Daniels, Victoria LeMay, Alexander Alessi, and Isabella Alessi, Her great-grandchildren, Riley and Josie Daniels, Otto and Will Govoni, Peyton, Resse, and Anthony Janicki, and Leo and Logan Govoni, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visitation on Tuesday, May 26th from 11am to 12 noon at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington. A Graveside service will follow the visitation at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake St., Peabody. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at www.dana-farber.org .