MAUREEN McGOWAN

McGOWAN--Maureen McRaith, age 78, of New York City, "up and died" peacefully at home on October 12, 2023, after a long, full life, surrounded by her family and the love of all who knew her. Maureen led her life with openness and love, inspiring others with her optimism, kindness, and curiosity. Her warm smile was always welcoming, her attentive eyes put everyone at ease, and her selfless, generous spirit filled all of our hearts with immense joy. She loved chocolate, great humor, treating to a delicious meal, "going to the track," Jimmy and Seth late night, a Mickey D's Diet Coke, dancing the night away, or even "going clubbing," as Gramma loved to joke with her five adoring grandchildren. Maureen was always profoundly grateful, and she lived her entire life feeling as though she was "held in the palm of God's hands." Born April 24, 1945, in Evanston, IL, to Mary Elizabeth Barry McRaith and Thomas Leo McRaith, Maureen was the youngest of six children. After beginning college with a full scholarship, Maureen moved home to be with her mother after her father passed away. She later finished her degree at Barat College of the Sacred Heart. It was in Evanston that her life changed forever after meeting a young man who had just relocated to town. Maureen had her first date with the love of her life on April 14, 1963. Joseph Jerome (Jay) McGowan, Jr., and Maureen were married on August 31, 1968, and built a life together that prioritized family, friends, hospitality, and creating fun. Jay and Maureen were the perfect couple, happily married for more than 47 years until Jay's passing in 2016. Picturing that most joyous, loving reunion and knowing Jay and Maureen are back together for eternity gives her family and friends great comfort. The couple first settled in New York City, a place that would be their home for 22 years. Their twin boys, Joseph Andrew and Matthew Joseph, arrived on August 9, 1970, joining an already large and loving McRaith-McGowan Irish family. Joe and Matt brought immeasurable joy to them and enriched and blessed their lives in every way. These early years were a busy time for the young couple, who raised the boys, first in student housing at Columbia University and then on the Upper West Side. Maureen's friendships from this time are some of her most cherished and longstanding. The city of New York opened great vistas for Maureen and Jay, both of whom received advanced degrees from Columbia University. Maureen also earned two advanced degrees from Fordham University. Education proved to be a constant theme in the couple's life as both Maureen and Jay pursued successful, life-long careers in the field. Maureen taught high school English, was a high school librarian, and then served as Chief Financial Officer at Marymount School of New York and Louisville Collegiate School. Jay's appointment as President of Bellarmine University in 1990 took the couple to Louisville, KY. Although Maureen was the only one of her siblings not born in Louisville, she happily called it home for 27 years, and truly relished reconnecting with her extensive family and creating so many wonderful new friendships. Maureen is survived by her children Joseph Andrew (Emma Paynter) and Matthew Joseph (Heidi Zuratt); five loving grandchildren, Alessia Maria, Sofia Maureen, Neve Carol, Fiona Joan, and Luke Matthew; her sisters Kathleen Maday and Brigid Hughes; brother-in-law Patrick Hughes, Sr. and sister-in-law Margaret McRaith. She is also survived by William and Mary Hoban, Tim and Theresa McGowan, Joyce Rittenhouse, and a wonderfully long list of nieces, nephews, grand- nieces, and grand-nephews. Maureen was very proud to be Irish and celebrated the long line of love her extended family embodied. Maureen was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Elizabeth and Thomas Leo; her beloved husband, Jay; her siblings, Mary Ann, Thomas Leo and John Barry; sister-in-law, Jimmie McRaith; brother-in-law, Lloyd Maday; her in-laws, Joseph Jerome and Mary Joan; and Dr. Thomas J. Rittenhouse. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary physicians, nurses, and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, particularly Dr. Szofia Kinga Stadler and Pietra Masone; as well as to the staff, nurses, and aides from Calvary Hospital Home Hospice, specifically Ryan, Andrea, Katia, Jane, Rashena, and Maria, for all of their selfless work and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation to the Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, Jr., and Maureen McRaith McGowan Endowed Scholarship at Bellarmine University in Lousiville, KY. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Saint Athanasius Church, 1615 Lincoln Street, Evanston, IL 60201. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Woods Chapel at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY, at a future date. "And O, she was the Sunday in every week." - The Planter's Daughter.