Elizabeth McGowan Obituary

McGOWAN

Elizabeth "Beth"

Beth McGowan, age 83, of Toledo, passed away peacefully in the company of her family on Christmas Day, 2013. Beth was born in Cleveland, OH on December 11, 1930, to Paul and Elizabeth Johnston. She was a graduate of Hathaway Brown School in 1948, and Mather College in 1952. Beth married Donald McGowan in 1956, and they had four sons. Beth was very involved in philanthropic activities. She was the first female president of the Toledo Tennis Club and volunteered for Mobile Meals of Toledo. Beth was active with her parish, St. Pius X, and was always available to help those in need. She was an accomplished equestrian and also enjoyed skiing and playing tennis. She loved to travel, especially with her family, and even solo flew an airplane. Beth's greatest

enjoyment in life came from her family. She cherished the time they spent together and was always there for her grandchildren.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Don McGowan; sister, Mary Schreiner, and daughter-in-law, Tari. She is survived by her sons, Donald (Gwen), Mark (Lynn), Chris (Lisa), and Peter (Michele); grandchildren, Jenna, Kristy, Paul, Elizabeth, Reid, Brynn, and Cade; and her sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jim Dayment.

There will be a celebration of Beth's life and gathering of friends and family on Sunday, December 29, 2013, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Sylvania Country Club, 5201 Corey Rd. Sylvania, OH. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3011 Carskaddon Ave., Toledo.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cherry Street Mission, 105 17th St., Toledo, OH 43604, The Salvation Army, 620 N. Erie St. Toledo, OH 43604, the Toledo Area Humane Society, 1920 Indian Wood Circle Maumee, OH 43537 or The Toledo Tennis Club, 4330

Indian Rd., Ottawa Hills, OH 43615. Online condolences may be shared at

walkerfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Dec. 27, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth McGowan

12 Entries

Kate Arnos

December 21, 2021

I have thought of Beth often, especially when I reflect on tennis days. She made such a positive impression on me with her can-do attitude, humility, and sense of joy in life. She is one I won't forget.

January 24, 2014

So sorry to learn about the loss of this vibrant woman, a beautiful tennis player, who also knew how to make the sport fun. My deepest sympathy to her beloved family, P. Kate Arnos

Chris (and Betsy) Galvin

January 2, 2014

To Pete and the rest of the McGowan family: I have great memories of time spent at your house with your mom and dad. Beth was a warm and generous presence always, and so her extensive charitable work comes as no surprise. I'm sorry to learn of her passing, but glad she was here.

Sue Scarlett Chaplin

January 1, 2014

On behalf of the Scarlett, Edinger, and Chaplin families, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Beth's sons and their families. Our moms met in college and my parents had their wedding reception at Beth's lovely home in 1953. May God be with you all in the months ahead. She was a very special lady.

Sharon Ockuly

January 1, 2014

Dear Don, Mark, Chris & Pete,
I was deeply saddened to learn of your beloved Mom's passing. Another one of "The Greatest Generation", gone too soon. Both of your parents were some of the nicest people I have ever known, & it was a privilege to have them as friends of our family. I am very sorry that I was not able to attend the gathering @ SCC on Sunday.Please know that my thoughts & prayers have been with all of you during this most difficult time. God Bless!

Sharon Ockuly

Mary-Ann Urbanovich

December 30, 2013

To all of the McGowans: I only knew of "Aunt Beth" through the stories your cousin Jane has shared with me over the years. Thoughts and prayers for you all at this time, she was a great woman who will be missed by all.

Meg Milano

December 29, 2013

Dear Don, Mark, Chris and Lisa, Pete and Michelle,
I was so sad to hear about the passing of your mom.
She was an incredible lady and i always looked up to her for her strength, integrity and warmth .
I'm sure your Dad will in her greeting committee in heaven. She will be so very missed
Love you all,
Meg and Bob Milano

Beth Dunlap

December 28, 2013

Pete and Michelle I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

December 27, 2013

Dear Don,Mark,Chris and Peter-I am so very deeply saddened to read about your great loss. I feel that I have lost a wonderful friend of many years who I loved sincerely. Your Mom and Dad and Don and I had so many wonderful times together over the years and altho I have been out of Toledo part time for so many years I have tried to keep up with Beth and have been very aware of her health issues. I loved her so dearly-what a wonderful woman and she loved her family so very much-she talked about you often and you all have been so caring and supportive-Ann moving to Toledo brought her so much happiness. I will miss her greatly and think of her often-I would be there for the memorial service but am presently in Florida for the winter but I do send you all my sympathy and thoughts and prayers and love-Jan
Steinberg

Bob Clark

December 27, 2013

Chris, so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your Mom as an energetic and vivacious person. GOD is taking care of her now.

Kelly Jansen

December 27, 2013

I am very grateful that Beth sponsored me at the Toledo Tennis Club and I am still playing tennis. Beth packed my lunch for every field trip I took going up.

Frank Ferro

December 27, 2013

The Ferro family grew up with the McGowan family and Beth was always there to help us Ferro kids. She was always so warm and helpful. I remember learning about Mobile Meals from her and going out to distribute meals with her and my mom in the early 1970s. That stuck with me and I still deliver Meals here in Lansing, Michigan. Beth, thank you for that and for everything. Big hugs to all the McGowans.

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