Obituary of Marianne K McGovern

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marianne K. McGovern (née McNulty) on October 18, 2024, after an extended illness. 

Marianne’s family owns the WinePort of Darien and the Rowayton Wine Shop which Marianne and her husband Scott have managed for the past 22 years. 

She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, unwavering kindness, and the lasting impact she had on everyone who knew her. 

Marianne was a dedicated member of the Rowayton community, actively invested in preserving its rich history and culture including her support of the Rowayton Civic Association, Rowayton Elementary School, Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department, and Shakespeare on the Sound.  Her support of local initiatives and her passion for community engagement will no doubt leave an indelible mark on Rowayton.

Marianne loved being a mom.  Her love for Scott and her daughter Bayley Ann was a defining part of her life. She was grateful to work locally so she could be part of Bayley Ann’s school and after-school activities.  On many weekends, Bayley Ann could also be found conversing with customers at the wine store!

Marianne found joy and comfort being so close to the water whether boating or simply enjoying the coastal beauty.  In fact, she met her husband Scott via a sailing trip organized by another close mutual Rowayton friend. 

Marianne had a great love of blues and bluegrass-inspired rock music from such groups as The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, the Blues Travelers, and Bill Withers.  She loved live music and always looked forward to Porch Jam and the Rowayton Summer Music Festival events.

Marianne graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1991 and Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL in 1995 with a BS in Interior Design. 

After working as an accomplished commercial designer in NY, Marianne made the move to Connecticut where she took over her family’s growing wine store operations. 

Her mother Mary Ann McNulty was a successful wealth manager at Morgan Stanley, so Marianne had a good role model who believed in women entrepreneurship.    

Marianne’s family and friends are grateful they were able to celebrate her 51^st birthday together on September 21^st.

Marianne is survived by her devoted husband Scott McGovern, loving daughter Bayley Ann; father Walter McNulty; brothers Michael (Sarah) McNulty and Walter (Barbara) McNulty; brothers-in-law Tom (Jane) McGovern, James (Michele) Gilbert; nieces Katheryn, Madison, Kendall, Molly, Isabel and Caroline; nephews Trevor, Matthew, Michael and Andrew; and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  She is preceded in death by her loving mother, Mary Ann McNulty, who passed away in 2021. 

Her wake visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd, Darien, CT.

A Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, October 25th, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. John Catholic Church, 1986 Post Rd, Darien, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rowayton Civic Association (https://www.rowaytoncivicassociation.org/