August 25, 1934 –January 26, 2025
Barbara A. (Kenney) McGowan left this world on January 26. She was at peace, having lived a full and rewarding life. Barbara was born in Winchester and grew up in Andover. She was the third daughter of John W. 'Jack' Kenney, Jr. and Gertrude F. (Silke) Kenney. Barbara graduated from Punchard High School in Andover where she played on the womens basketball team. She married Thomas McGowan, the love of her life, in 1955. Together, they spent the next ten years traveling the world as Tom completed various assignments for the U.S. Department of Defense. They lived for a time in both Japan and Germany before settling in Bowie, MD to raise their five children. After the children were grown, they retired to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Barbara had a true passion for life and a tremendous sense of humor. She was very social and enjoyed meeting and talking to people. She liked to read, travel, and she loved the beach. She was an avid swimmer well into her 80’s. But her greatest joys came from her family. She adored babies and was never happier than when she was rolling around on the floor with an infant or a toddler grandchild.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom, and her older sisters Jeanne and Anne. She is survived by her five children, Thomas McGowan (Cheryl) of Alpharetta, GA, Sean McGowan (Katie) of Andover, MA, Kevin McGowan of Bowie, MD, Maureen McGowan of Winterville, NC, and Terrence McGowan (Laura) of Howell, NJ. She is also survived by her two younger sisters, Susan Walsh of North Andover, and Ellen Alden of West Newbury, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.
Barbara's Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will be privately held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com