Phyllis Howland Gowing, 93, passed away peacefully at Forestview Nursing Home in Wareham on Tuesday, September 14, 2010.
Born on March 3, 1917 in New Bedford, Phyllis was the daughter of Ralph and Laura Howland. She was raised in Fairhaven and Walpole, with her three brothers and a sister (Robert, Richard, and Allen Howland, and Sylvia Fish), and spent most of her summers in Mattapoisett. She was married to James D. Gowing, longtime teacher and administrator at Tabor Academy in Marion from 1942 until the early ‘80s. Upon his retirement, they moved to the home in Mattapoisett built by her father, where she continued to live following her husband’s death in 1987.
Phyllis was extremely active in the community, serving as a member for many years of the Marion Friends of the Visiting Nurse Association as well as the Sippican Women’s Club, of which she was treasurer. An avid and skilled bridge player, she could be found most weeks organizing and playing bridge with her many friends.
Phyllis is survived by her two sons Jeffrey of San Antonio and Alain of Seattle; and Alain’s wife Anne and their son Benjamin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James D. Gowing Scholarship Fund at Tabor Academy or to the Sippican Women’s Club. A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM, at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 124 Front Street, Marion. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.