Obituary of Mary Stella McGowan

The family of Mary Stella McGowan announces her holy and peaceful entry into eternity on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 10:45 p.m. at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, on May 3, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Eva (Buote) Nickerson, and wife of the late Dennis Frederick McGowan.

A devoted wife, a wonderful mother, a dear sister, and a woman of great faith, she will be sorely missed by all who loved her immensely. She was a sweet and unassuming lady of strong Scottish, Irish, Acadian, and German ancestry. She enjoyed her flowers and backyard deck, her tea, and card games. In younger years, she excelled at knitting, sewing, wallpapering/painting, and needle-pointing.

Upon arriving from Prince Edward Island, she was briefly employed at the former Calp’s Department Store. She retired from the Saint John Boys and Girls Club after many years of dedicated service as a kindergarten teacher, and member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Pius X (Holy Redeemer Parish), and a former parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Mary Stella McGowan is survived by her sons, Rev. Dr. Michael McGowan of Fredericton and Brian (Karen Hussey) of Dieppe, and her daughters Karen (Peter) Wedge and Sandra McGowan, both of Saint John, six grandsons, Matthew and Mitchell McGowan, Peter Michael, Mark, and Sean Wedge, and Michael Voutour, three granddaughters, Sarah McGowan, and Megan and Melissa Voutour, her great-grandchildren, and her dear sisters, Shirley (the late Bill) Moore, Marjorie (the late Ken Connell and the late Richard Marsten), Helen Bonner, and Barbara (Bruce) Munroe, as well as several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and a brother who died in infancy, Donald Charles Nickerson.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home (111 Paradise Row., Saint John 634-7424). Visitation at Brenan’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 5 from 2:00- 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be offered by her son at St. Pius X Church (Holy Redeemer Parish) on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in the family plot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters or a charity of the donor’s choice.