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McGowan, Kathleen Erin Age 57, died Thursday, August 31, 2017, in Norwood Park, Chicago, IL. She was born in Chicago, IL, to John J. McGowan and Bonnie Lou (Pritchett) McGowan, and was the youngest of five children, Tom McGowan (Jan), Jim McGowan, Kevin McGowan (Gail), Sherry McGowan Maloney (Jim). She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Kathy was a St. Barnabas Buckeye, and a graduate of Mother McAuley High School, Class of '78. Kathy graduated from Arizona State University after spending one last memorable quarter at University of Illinois, Champagne. Kathy went about life with a spirit of passion and adventure and she brought a ray of sunshine and a dreamer's vision to all she did. She felt that love is the only thing in this life really matters and her family and friends were the beneficiaries of that and are so much the richer for it. Family and friends memorial visitation will be held at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60643, on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:45 a.m. The memorial visitation will be followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Another way to pay tribute to Kathy's memory would be to reach out and help those struggling with mental illness or make a donation to Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, www.bbrfoundation.org
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So shocked to read that this wonderful person had passed. I have been looking forward to her 4th book on Ann Boleyn. I hoped one day to visit France on one of her journeys. she has touched my life from afar. my sympathy to her family and friends.
Jan Friar
Friend
August 28, 2019
I will forever hold your contagious smile in my heart along with all of our wonderful childhood memories. We shared many laughs together as kids and as adults, guess we both were kids at heart. Make sure to share your beautiful smile with all in your new heavenly home, I will miss you.
Liz O'Connor-Ford
Coworker
September 18, 2017
Deepest sympathy to Sherry and the McGowan Family at this most difficult time in your lives. Remember always the good times, stick together as a family and Keep the Faith!
George Kosich
Stockton, CA
George Kosich
September 16, 2017
Kathy always had a special way of looking at the world. She would go out of her way to find positives in bad narratives and situations alike. After being fished (helped) out of the water (almost drowning) she said something like "Well now I know I need to do more laps next time I go swimming." She had a kind, generous, beautiful disposition that will be missed.
Brian Magee
September 15, 2017
To the McGowan clan, I'm so sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. She will always be remembered as a great Kathy. Kathy rest in peace. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Kerry McNamara
Kerry McNamara
September 15, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family.
May God sustain you at this time
Please find comfort from his word
Where he promises he will
"comfort your heart
and make you firm"
during this time of great loss.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
With deep sympathy
MJ
September 15, 2017
May the longtime sun shine upon you, all love surround you and the pure light within you, guide your way on.
Grace Elliott
September 14, 2017
Kathy McGowan was my friend from ASU and, years later, from my family's visits to her parents' house in Lake Geneva, but she has been like a sister all my life. When I was a kid, John and Bonnie were a second set of parents, I looked up to Kathy's brothers, and I was best friends with her sister, Sherry Ann. Back in our block-party Sisters Lakes days, I thought of Kathy the way her siblings did. She was Pup, the baby sister to tease and look out for and cherish.
I last saw Kathy at a Barnabas reunion a few years back. Lots of old friends were there, but I was most excited to talk with Kathy. We hugged and laughed, took selfies and caught up. She was happy to see me. She was always happy to see everyone, I think. Nothing had changed.
I'll miss you, Kath, but I have only fond memories. Thanks.
Joe McKeown
September 14, 2017
Dear McGowan Sibs I am heartbroken. Looking at Kathy's picture now, I can hear her laugh, just as clearly as if she was standing right next to me. That smile! It was contagious. I remember inviting her to a toga pool party at my dorm at ASU. (Yes, dorms had pools at ASU isn't that why Kathy and I went there?) I hadn't been able to reach her earlier, but finally got hold of her about 15 minutes before the party started. Despite the late notice, she was one of the first people to arrive and the only one who showed up in a flowered sheet yellow roses, I believe. Obviously, it was a sheet Bonnie had packed for her. Obviously, she had ripped it right off her bed in her hurry to make it to the party. She was always a standout and never even had to try. She had a kind-hearted nature and quiet self-confidence that naturally drew people to her. I guess that comes from being the baby of the family your Pup. Kathy holds a special place in my heart and my memories, as do all the McGowans.
Deb O'Malley-McKeown
September 14, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the McGowan family may you cherish the blessing she was in your lives. Psalm 121
MH
September 14, 2017
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