Barbara J. McGowan

Barbara J. McGowan, age 78, had passed on Monday, August 26, 2019, in Independence Ohio. She was born August 10, 1941, in Cleveland, OH. Barbara touched the lives of all around her. She was an inspiration and a source of great comfort to her children, and by example instilled in them lessons of selflessness and character; she ensured that all of them knew what it meant to be a caring, giving, and loving person. Her love for her grandchildren was endless, and all around her knew it. They adore their Grammy, and she adored each and every one of them. As they grew, they too gained the life lessons of understanding emotions and giving compassion and love. She was her sister’s childhood playmate and adult friend and confidant. Their beautiful lifelong relationship endured, despite time and miles of separation. To the rest of the family, the sisters and brothers-in-law, the nieces and nephews, she was Aunt Barb, and they too were touched by the same love she shared with all around her. She was blessed with friends from all aspects of her life with whom she shared these gifts freely and without expectation of receiving anything in return. She was the person everyone went to when they felt they needed to talk because she could make any hurt go away, and she was the glue that held her family and friends together regardless of circumstance. It was what made her a truly special individual. She will be loved and missed by all, but all whose lives crossed with hers will carry her wisdom, as Barbara helped them become who they are today She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Daniel) Katrein; sons, Michael McGowan, and Steven (Pamela) McGowan; grandchildren, Ryan (Nikki) McGowan, Derek, Joshua, and Jessica Katrein, Marley Krapinski, Evan and Grace McGowan; step-sons, Rick and Ron Cermak; sister, Jo Anne (Doug) Scherrer; and many other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Clarke. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, September 29 from 1 - 5 pm at Quail Hollow Country Club: 11295 Quail Hollow Dr., Concord, OH 44077. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made online to the sanctuary that adopted and placed Maggie in a loving home, Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary: islandshas.wixsite.com/ishas Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH. 44060.

Barbara J. McGowan

August 10, 1941 - August 26, 2019