Mrs. Maureen E McGowan

Maureen E. McGowan of Waterford passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in her home on May 30. Maureen was born May 15, 1937 in Milwaukee to Morris and Eleanor (nee Matthews) Urch. She graduated from Mercy High School in 1955, and moved to Waterford in 1972.

Maureen was preceded in death by Patrick, her beloved husband of nearly 26 years and daughter, Susan. She is survived by her brother, Robert (Marlene) Urch and by children Lynn (Steve) Vanderheyden Michael McGowan, Patrick (Kelly) McGowan, Brian (Mary) Bauer, Maureen/Moe (John) Jepsen, and Bridget (Jim) Keal.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Daniel (Katie), John, Lauren (Stefan), Ryan (Heather), Ellen (fiancé Corey), Kayla, Erin, Annie (Dan), Josh, Katie, Andy, Joe, and Peter as well as her great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Dominic, Mackenzie, Gabrielle, and Audrey. Numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear, dear friends will also miss her.

Maureen enjoyed sharing her decades-long love for cooking with her family and friends whether it be cooking for them or teaching them to cook Chinese, pizza, Cajun, bread baking, or “Gifts from the Kitchen” to name a few. After obtaining her Associate’s Degree in Food Service Management from Gateway Technical Institute at the age of 44, she started her own cooking school, “Maureen McGowan Culinary Arts”, and ran it for 13 years with the support and partnership of husband Pat. Following her husband’s passing, Maureen spent 13 years as personal chef/caterer to both Archbishop Rembert Weakland and Archbishop Timothy Dolan.

Maureen was a founding member of Waterford Lioness and held many positions, her favorite being Mrs. Santa for 25 years at the Lioness Breakfast with Santa. The breads she baked for their fundraising events were eagerly anticipated by all.

A fearless adventurer, she solo skydived and learned to down-hill ski at age 34 and traveled the U.S. with Pat. In later years, she visited China with Moe, Europe, Turkey, and Egypt with sister-in-law Sandy Wilde, and Florida and Colorado with Lynn. She was a Red Hatter, enjoyed her Cousins’ Gourmet and Cooking School Gourmet groups, and stayed connected by email with friends often into the wee hours. She enjoyed visiting with and sending numerous greeting cards to her friends and family but also embraced Facebook to follow her family’s activities. Called a “professional friend” by her daughter, Maureen proudly and lovingly maintained friendships with chums from grade school and high school and many since then.

Maureen was a great listener, a compassionate friend and optimistic cheerleader for her family and friends. She saw the good in everyone and made a point to thank those who helped her by name. She was always baking bread to give away, whether for a fundraiser or as a thank you for people who had made an impact on her life. Many are fortunate to have her recipes and the cooking tips she shared.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to Love, Inc. Burlington, a charity she supported for many years that provides support for needy families in Western Racine County. http://www.love-inc.net

Services will held at the Cotton Exchange Banquet Hall, 345 Hickory Hollow Road, Waterford on Wednesday, June 3. Meet with the family 10-11:45. Memorial Service 11:45. Additional information available at Mealy Funeral Home. http://www.mealyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/