Doris McGowan passed away February 12, 2020, at her home in Blue Ridge, surrounded by her family. Born April 25, 1927, in Bronx, New York, to Emil and Mary (Miller) Braun. She graduated from Otisville High School and married Joseph A. McGowan April 4, 1948. They moved to Florida in an old jalopy that, probably, would not be deemed roadworthy by today’s standards. They had four children, Patricia (Halpin), Donna, Michael and Merrily.
Doris (Mom to us) was strong-willed, opinionated and independent. She took classes at the University of Florida and eventually worked as our Dad’s legal secretary. She was active in the Republican Party while living in Miami, Florida, and retired in Blue Ridge in 1981. While in Blue Ridge, she was active in St. Anthony Catholic Church and took classes in clogging, basket weaving, chair caning, beading and playing the dulcimer, just to name a few. When our Dad developed early Alzheimer’s, she became his primary caregiver and, at the same time, she took on her two invalid aunts. She cared for all three for several years until they passed.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Eleanor (Wilbur) and Richard and Rita (Hosking); and also so many of her friends. She will be missed by many.
A Funeral Mass was held February 18, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service at Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery.