Mary Alice McGowan, 95 years old of Onalaska, Texas, passed away on December 15, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.  She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the staff at Corrigan Nursing Home, when she passed.

Mary was born in Hemphill, Texas on April 21, 1927 to Alice Estha Merritt Herndon and Lansford Lee Herndon.  Mary's mother passed away when she was only 2 years old and she was then raised by an Aunt, Ellen Merritt Carter, who loved her dearly and raised her as one of her own.  Mary lived through hard times growing up and had to help out with all the chores, including feeding chickens, helping in the garden planting and gathering vegetables, walking to the small town to sell milk and butter, milking cows, and all the other chores that come with living in the country on a small farm.

In 1944 she met her future husband Robert Earl McGowan and they were married in 1946.  They lived in Beaumont, Texas where they raised their three children, Patricia, Peggy & Michael.  Mary focused her life on her belief and faith in God and on being a loving and supportive mother and wife.  She was also a wonderful caregiver, not only to her family but to others who needed care.  She worked at the Beaumont Neurological Center for a number of years and loved working with the doctor's, staff and patients there.  When she and her husband retired, they moved to Onalaska, Texas.  Mary also worked for Walmart for a number of years and then at Brookshire Brother's Pharmacy while living in Onalaska.  Everyone who knew her, knew her kindness, her caring, her love, her ability to make everyone know that they were worthy and loved.  She was the best MiMi and loved all her grandchildren with all her heart.  Her happiest moments were when she was able to be around her family and especially her grandchildren.  She was gentle and compassionate and would try to help anyone in need.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years, her sister and her seven brothers.  She is survived by her three children, Patricia Ann Paschetag (Jack), Peggy Earlene Wiesner (Don) and Michael Earl McGowan.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jacqueline Michelle Paschetag Holt (Jason), Robert Matthew Paschetag (Kim), Kristin Lynn Paschetag Adams (Paul), David Wayne Simoneaux (Kathy), Robert Eric McGowan and Madeleine Marie McGowan.  Mary is also survived by numerous great and great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved.

We would like to make a special mention to the staff at Corrigan Nursing Home who have loved her like she was their own MiMi and that is what she was called by all.  They were by her side and in prayer with her and we could not have asked for a more loving group of people to take care of our Mom.  They all knew her for her love and kindness and were always amazed about how strong she was.  Everyone also knew her for her singing.  They knew when they heard someone singing "Amen" that it was Mom.  Thank you for loving her and please know that you will always be in our hearts.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Cochran's Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas from 12:00 Noon until 2:30 p.m.   She will have a private graveside ceremony, with family attending, after the viewing.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice.