ASHLAND – Bertha M. McGowan, 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died unexpectedly Oct. 5, 2004, at a Presque Isle hospital surrounded by her family. She was born July 21, 1919, at Eagle Lake, the daughter of Thomas and Anna (Blanchette) Smart. She lived in Ashland with her husband of 56 years, Burns P. McGowan, who predeceased her in 1994. She was the bond that tied her family together, and she cherished every family gathering. Bertha was the life of every get-together and many enjoyed her unique personality. She always had a joke or an amusing story to share. A devoted, loving mother and wonderful cook, she will always be remembered for her baked beans, homemade bread and rolls, butterscotch pie, and chocolate peanut butter fudge. Bertha also had a special place in her heart for her feline friends. She was a member of St. Mark’s Parish and the St. Mark Sodality. She is survived by two sons, Douglas McGowan and his wife, Sandra, of Brunswick; Thomas McGowan of Ashland; two daughters, Barbara Cowett and her husband, Ernest, of Ashland; Jill Brown and her husband, Peter, of Mapleton; one brother, Wilfred Smart of Topsham; one sister, Beulah Smart of Brunswick; nine grandchildren, Mark Mc-Gowan, Laura Chase, Burns Brown and Parker Brown, all of Mapleton, Kathryn Joiner of Lewiston, Scott McGowan of Waterville, Christine Robinson of Presque Isle, Matthew Cowett of Calais, Maren Milliard of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; six great-grandchildren: Lewis, April, Brooke, and Cole Chase, all of Mapleton, Emma McGowan of Waterville, and Anna Robinson of Presque Isle; one great-great-granddaughter, Abigail Chase of Mapleton; three special sisters-in-law, Helen Michaud, Evelyn McGowan, and Ruth Searway; many special nieces and nephews. She will also be remembered by her special friend from childhood, Maureen Belanger of Eagle Lake. In addition to her husband, Burns, she was predeceased by one brother, Leonard Smart; and by one sister, Mildred Saucier. At Bertha’s request, there will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mark Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Hinken, SOLT, pastor, celebrant. Committal services and interment will be in the Ashland Municipal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in her memory to the Presque Isle Animal Shelter. A service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland.
BERTHA M. McGOWAN
