Marian A. (Cook) Goveia, 90, of Provincetown died peacefully in the early morning of April 16, at Cape Cod Hospital following an unexpected diagnosis, in December, of cancer. This ultimately resulted in her hospitalization a week before her death.
Born in Provincetown, she was the daughter of the late John F. "Peacie" and Nellie (Patrick) Cook. Marian was educated in Provincetown, married young and spent a short time in Indiana where she lost her first child during birth and where her second child was born.
Providing for her children was her most important priority; more so after becoming a single parent which contributed to her phenomenal work ethic.
For many years she worked as a waitress, beginning at Wong’s Chinese Restaurant which was located where the "Purple Feather" currently stands. She enjoyed the social aspect of waitressing. It gave her the opportunity to meet all types of people. Eventually she became adept at accurately "reading" them during their first few minutes of conversation. Following her years at Wong's she also worked at the Surf Club, Tip for Tops'n, and The Stormy Harbor. In the early 80's she started her almost 4 decades in the same building at Lopes Square. She first worked in the candy store, the ice cream store and finally in her favorite window at John's Footlong Hot Dog stand. By far, the job she loved best and the place where she shined the most.
She was strong, determined and compassionate. A woman who never drove a car., she preferred to bike (in her younger days) or walk, fully appreciating her surroundings and the people she interacted with. She loved bowling at Anthony Perry's Bowlaway and was a member of a league in her late 20's. She was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, but the main focus of her life was her faith and her family and the town she felt privileged to have always called "home"
Up until her death, she was the proud matriarch of 5 generations, and a committed member of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown. As a Eucharistic Minister, she enjoyed bringing communion to the patients at Seashore Point (the Manor), many of whom were years younger than herself. There was no challenge or adversity she wouldn't face and do her best to overcome, particularly if it was for someone else's benefit. She found peace in her belief that the right path would be found through prayer.
The people she loved always came first. She is survived by her daughter, Avis Johnson; her sisters, Beata and Sara Cook; her grandchildren; Nichole Razinha and husband Will; Peter and Michael Costa and his wife, Lynn, great grandchildren; Tyler, Rob, Shane, Ali and Abi Anderson and Chelsea Razinha. Alyssa, Aurin and Corinne Costa-Rhodes, along with great great grandsons; Derrick and JJ, and more nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends than could ever fit in one obituary.
She loved them all, especially her godchild, Cathy Cook Henrique, with whom she was deeply connected.
Marian was predeceased by her daughter; Carol Ann Johnson, three grandchildren; Chelsea, Eben Earnest and Morgan Costa and two brothers; John Cook, Jr. and her closest sibling, Paul Cook.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Gately Funeral Home, 94 Harry Kemp Way, Provincetown on Monday, April 22nd from 4 to 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, April 23rd at 11:00 am at St. Peter the Apostle Church, Prince St., Provincetown. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marian’s name may be made to the Provincetown Rescue Squad, PO Box 109, Provincetown, MA 02657, the Lupus Foundation of New England, 40 Speen St, #101, Framingham, MA 01701 or a charity for the homeless of your choice.