Daughter of Massachusetts Congressman dies after cancer battle

UXBRIDGE, Mass. (WLNE) — The Office of Rep. Jim McGovern released a statement Thursday that said that the Congressman’s daughter Molly had died after a battle with cancer.

McGovern said that his daughter died in Italy while visiting a friend due to a “rare cancer diagnosis.”

The full statement from McGovern’s family can be read below:

Molly radiated pure joy. She lit up every room with her beaming smile—full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant. She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special. She treated people with compassion and kindness—always standing up for the underdog, and making fast friends wherever she went. Her love for the Boston Bruins was fierce, but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light with you. She had that kind of effect on people.

Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity—refusing to let her illness slow her down. She had just finished a semester abroad in Australia. She passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family.

Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already.

Gov. Maura Healey released a statement that said that “Molly was a light in her family’s lives and the lives of so many:”

I’m heartbroken for the McGovern family over the loss of their beloved Molly. Molly was a light in her family’s lives and the lives of so many. She was a kind, smart and compassionate young woman who touched the lives of many. We are all feeling the sadness of her being taken too soon. Joanna and I are sending all of our love and support to Congressman McGovern, Lisa, Patrick, and all of their loved ones during this difficult time.

Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan said that Molly had “fought hard against a rare form of cancer, but never lost her joy, sense of adventure or optimism:”

The world lost a bright light today. Molly McGovern was a sweet, loving, smart, funny and caring person. She was a gift to all who knew her. She fought hard against a rare form of cancer, but never lost her joy, sense of adventure or optimism. Our hearts break for Jim, Lisa, Patrick, and all of her family and friends. Molly’s legacy of love will live on forever. May she rest in peace and may the McGovern family know the loving embrace of a caring community and a sustaining faith.