IBEW Local 2323 sadly has learned of the passing of Katharine McGowan, mother of long-time IBEW Local 2323 Business Manager Bill McGowan, and his brother also a long time IBEW Local 2323 member Larry McGowan. Our deepest sympathies go out to the McGowan family. Details on service arrangements are listed below.

McGOWAN, KATHARINE V. (WARD) 96, of Greenville, died on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 in her home she loved so much, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence McGowan. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Curran) Ward. Mrs. McGowan was a member of St. Philip Church in Greenville for 50 years where she served as Eucharistic Minister. She was a past president of the Catholic Womens Club of the Providence diocese. She and her husband wintered in Vero Beach, Florida for many years. She is survived by her daughter Paula Gray and her husband George of Southington, Connecticut, her son Lawrence J. McGowan and his wife Kathleen of Burrillville, and her son William McGowan and his wife Kathryn of North Kingstown. She was the sister of the late Elizabeth Fanning, William H. Ward, Jr., Paul A. Ward, and Patricia O’Connor. She is survived by her six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Her funeral will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 9:30 am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. Visiting hours, Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Philip School, 618 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828. boyleandsonfuneralhome.com