Ellen M McGowan

Ellen McGowan, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025. She was born in May 1934 to Ellen and Russell Thomas in Memphis, TN. She was raised on Woodlawn Street in North Memphis and attended Holy Names Catholic School. In 1956 Ellen married Ted McGowan and they were together for 48 years until his death in 2004. Together they raised three children - John, Frank and Jacqueline. Ellen and Ted were some of the first members of St. Michael Parish on Summer Avenue in the early 1960's where their children attended school. Some years later, they were founding members of Holy Spirit Parish. Ellen was intelligent and very personable. She worked as an executive assistant her entire career, first with the Cadillac Division of General Motors until that division of GM moved from Memphis. Not yet ready for retirement, Ellen immediately went to work for a new company opening their new corporate offices here - International Paper. Ellen worked for IP until she retired. At both GM and IP, Ellen's kind personality allowed her to make many close friends, most of whom were friends for her entire life. Ellen was a beautiful, well dressed woman of grace and charm, a loving wife and mother, and truly a person that lived a full and happy life. She will be deeply missed. Ellen is survived by her sons, John (Mary) and Frank (Tracy), her sister Marlene Davidson, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren Visitation will be Friday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Germantown, TN. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Ellen's name to St. Michael Catholic Church at stmichaelmemphis.org which will go to Father Ben's helping hands fund.