Mary E. (Hurley) McGowan, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Friday, January 27, 2017 at her home in Charlestown. She was 97 years of age.
Mary was born in Belle Isle, Newfoundland, Canada on June 2, 1919, a daughter of the late Michael Hurley and Elizabeth (Adams) Hurley. She grew up in Charlestown where she was educated at St. Catherine's Parochial School, the first class through the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School, and attended Charlestown High School. Mary was a mother and homemaker for the beginning of her adult life until her children grew older, where she then started working as a cook for the Head Start program until her retirement after 20 years. Mary was a Past President of the Old Charlestown School Girls Association, and a past officer and lifetime member of the Daughters of Isabella #1.
Mary is the beloved wife of the late Philip V. McGowan. She is the devoted mother of Elizabeth O'Leary and her husband Christopher of Melrose, Daniel M. McGowan of FL, Richard P. McGowan of Weymouth, Jacqueline McGowan of Charlestown, and the late Geraldine Burns, Marie Rabbito, and Philip G. McGowan. She is the loving Nana Banana of Christopher and Dana O'Leary, Kimberly Spitale and her husband Jack, Sean Burns, Amy Rogers, Philip McGowan and his wife Amy, Justin McGowan, Maryellen Leonard and her husband Nicholas, Michael McGowan, and her great-grandchildren Emma and Isabel Spitale, Jack, Douglas, and Emily Burns, Jonathan, Connor, and Rowan Pike, and Joshua McGowan. She is the beloved sister of Daniel Hurley and his wife Phyllis, and the late Leo, Gerald, and Margaret Hurley. She is the Mother-in-law of Ellen M. McGowan, John Burns, Stephen Rabbito, and Ellen C. McGowan. She is the dear Sister-in-law of Ann Queally. Mary is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mary's Funeral on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. Her burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Her visiting hours will be on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Mary's name to the St. Francis De Sales Church Building Fund, 303 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129