In Loving Memory of Janet McGowan

Janet Marie McGowan, age 63, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado while surrounded by loved ones. She spent over 30 years calling Colorado Springs home. Janet was born on November 29, 1955 in Brooklyn, New York to John Basil and Frances (Filanowicz) McGowan. She grew up in the Bay Ridge and Park Slope neighborhoods of Brooklyn, attending Bishop Kearney High School. Janet furthered her education earning her undergraduate degree in Sociology from SUNY Potsdam and a Masters in Special Education from Lehigh University. Early in her career, Janet worked with severely disabled adults in group homes. She then received her teaching degree and taught elementary special education in Pennsylvania. When she moved to Colorado in the late 1980s, she taught high school special education. Janet spent most of her teaching career in Colorado at Doherty High School, until her retirement in 2018. Janet was proud of winning the Crystal Apple award in 2011 for teaching excellence.

Janet volunteered at the Springs Food Pantry twice a month for many years. She also loved to go to the movies or dinner with friends. Janet loved baseball and avidly cheered for both of her beloved New York teams, the Mets and Yankees. She also enjoyed listening to oldies music, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. When she wasn’t doing any of these activities, she was spoiling her dogs.

Janet was one of the most kind and generous people on this earth. She cared deeply for her family, friends, students, and pets. She is well known for her letter writing. Janet always made sure to remember birthdays and other holidays with cards, including cards for people’s pets. She wanted her friends and family to feel remembered and recognized. Janet also had a great sense of humor. Janet was quick-witted and had an infectious laugh. She will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her father John McGowan and mother Frances (Filanowicz) McGowan.

Janet is survived by her sister Karin Bennett; nieces Kelly Bennett and Megan Bennett; longtime companion Huy Nguyen; and her two beloved dogs Elliott and Nestor.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Springs Food Pantry or any animal shelter in her honor.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Sanctuary Church, 1930 West Colorado Ave. Colorado Springs, Colorado.