Dorothy Virginia McGovern-Lawless

Dorothy “Dot” Virginia McGovern-Lawless, age 76, of West End, died Thursday, November 6, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born August 24, 1949, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to the late Robert and Mary Cannon Swiger. After earning her Master’s degree from Trinity College, Dot served as an educator in the Maryland public school system for 32 years.  Dot was a member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators in the Gamma Sigma Chapter.

In 2008, she and her husband, Tom, retired to North Carolina. She had a love for teaching and helping at-risk youth and families.  She loved her dogs and following her family’s adventures via Facebook and through pictures.  She loved her grandkids and the Christmas holiday season. She enjoyed watching the hummingbirds feed in her backyard and, maybe most of all, Dessert!!  She loved God and loved her family dearly.

She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Thomas Lawless; her four children, Shannon Francisco of Seven Lakes, NC, Matthew and Stephanie McGovern of New Market, MD, Meghan and John Jenkins of Pasadena, MD, Colleen and Dan Richmond of Glen Burnie, MD; and her nine grandchildren: Kathryn, Lauren, Aiden, Tyler, Cameron, John, Quinn, Kelly, and Imogen.

A mass will be held at a later date by the family.

Condolences can be made at: PinesFunerals.com.

Powell Funeral Home is serving Dot’s family.