Obituary of MARY ANN MacGOWAN

MacGOWAN, Mary Ann – With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Mary Ann surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday March 8, 2022, of Waterford at the age of 68. Best friend for 52 years and beloved wife for 47 years to James. Loving and devoted mother of Jenn, Jamie (and Jacky). Dear sister-in-law of Margaret (and the late Ross) Hendershot. Loved aunt of Chris (and Lori), Kyle (and Erin) and their children Emma and Zoe. Mary Ann will also be sadly missed by many friends. Predeceased by parents Peter and Annie Schudlo and father and mother -in-law Jim and Marion MacGowan. Mary Ann lived life with fierce passion. She had a tremendous love for her family, and her community volunteering for Meals on Wheels and other organizations. Mary Ann was a kind and caring thoughtful mother that created amazing cakes for each and every one of her children’s birthdays. She always took pride in growing a fairly big garden and sharing the incredible fresh veggies with everyone she knew. Her green beans, oversized zucchini and fresh tomatoes were her pride and joy. She was incredibly proud of her Ukrainian heritage and even taught Ukrainian school to local children. She encouraged her children to pursue Ukrainian dancing. Mary Ann loved pets and animals especially cats. She also loved watching the birds come to the feeders outside her sunroom. Mary Ann lived most of her life on her family farm in which both of her parents who had immigrated from Ukraine had purchased. Mary Ann loved the outdoors, nature, and rural life. Mary Ann loved holidays and celebrations and hosting parties. She enjoyed an extensive amount of travel in more than 40 countries and always liked exploring new places and was always up for an adventure. Mary Ann easily made friends wherever she went due to her generous and sociable nature. Mary Ann had an incredible connection to helping people and for health and the medical field. She attended the University of Toronto for nursing and worked as a PSW in many nursing homes at the beginning of her career. She also worked in medical offices in Brantford, Stoney Creek, and Simcoe. Mary Ann had an incredible sense of humour, was super creative and a knack for writing and story telling. She was a life-long learner, had a diverse set of amazing skills and passion to complete crosswords and the toughest of sudoku puzzles, sewing and decorating. She loved dancing and music and was always up for a concert. Mary Ann was a complex person sometimes happy to be the centre of attention but most often comfortable spending time with a small group of cherished friends or family or on her own. She was an incredibly strong woman that inspired many and will continue to inspire as we remember her for the tremendous love and passion she shared with the world. A Celebration of Mary Ann’s life will be held at Thompson-Mott Funeral Home on Friday March 18, 2022, from 5-9pm. Donations to the Canadian Cancer society would be greatly appreciated.