McGowan, Nancy Clare, a resident of Shrewsbury, passed away on Sept. 26, 2023, at the age of 67, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of 43 years to John; mother to Grace (Travis Wehking), Jack (Blake Bachman), Luke (Carissa Ratermann) and Esther; grandmother to Teddy, Henry, Liddy, Lucy, Ella, Callum, Savannah, and Rory.
Nancy, the daughter of Arnold and Margaret Neyers, grew up in Chicago with her sisters, Paula and Julie, where she graduated a year early from Argo High School. She then went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. After marrying John in 1980 and moving to St. Louis in 1987, she remained a loyal wife and loving mother to her four children and grandmother to her eight grandchildren.
Nancy, also known to many as “Madj,” used her boisterous personality and unique communication style to connect with and love others through her numerous civic, church, and charitable endeavors, as well as her work at General Electric and at the Olivette License Office. Her memorable character and hilarious life stories will be missed by many.
A visitation will be held at Central Presbyterian Church in Clayton, MO on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 from 3-7pm, and a celebration of life service on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at 10am at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Operation Food Search in Nancy’s honor (www.operationfoodsearch.org).
Oh no Can’t believe it.she will be soo missed
John ,Jack,luke,Grace,Esther and all.your families my deepest &heartfelt sympathies to you all on the sad passing ofbyour beloved Wife ,Mam,grandmother &mother-in-law Nancy ❤️❤️❤️Rest in peace Nancy 🙏🙏🙏
Deepest Condolences! May God give comfort and strength to the whole family. God bless you and rest in peace Nancy
Jack and Grace,
I remember meeting your mom after a Clayton-Tamm Neighborhood Meeting, when we all went back to Jack’s to watch a Cardinal game. She was so friendly, chatty and outgoing; you would have thought that she had known us for years! I bet she didn’t know a stranger, either.
May God bless you in this difficult time and we’ll be thinking of your family!
–Amy C. Benoist and Jeff Smith
John and all,
blessings on all of you, strength and comfort from the most reliable source to you all
a phrase from an anthem we sang – “rejoice in heaven all ye that dwell therein” comes to mind – ponder that for her and you
prayers for you
Skip
Sadness fills our heart to lose such a friendly and loving soul. Sending my most heartfelt condolences to the McGowan family. Sending you peace, comfort, strength and lots of love during this difficult time.
John, I want to say that I am very sorry for your loss. You have a special place in my heart, my friend.
John Galgani
From the moment I got the messages from Paula & Diana, I was praying. Lately with the year we’ve had, it seemed more like babbling but heartfelt & sincere. I feel she is at peace. We forget that this is where we are supposed to go….life is hard,..Heaven is our reward……
Tho’ in shock, prayers began. as soon as I heard from both Paula & Diana regarding Nancy being in the hospital. My babbling prayers began for our Lord to sort out We go to our Heavenly Reward May Nancy find eternal peace
Just found out, in total shock, my thoughts and prayers with the family.
So sorry Pull your socks up and keep on walking
Nancy had the most unique personality and way of looking at life. She was a rare jewel, uncommon and authentic. Love to her family who surely miss, as her license plate reflected, “Madj.” It is hard to believe she has taken the step into Jesus’ presence. I’m so glad I saw her in August and it is surreal that she isn’t with us. Bye bye, Nancy.
A little story, I guess. Luke mentioned to me that Madj really loved me and got excited when I was able to visit. It was funny that he did, because I was always taken aback by her enthusiasm, that happiness. I say this because that love and welcoming feeling was something I always noticed, and not only from Madj. It’s something that lives in all of her children – Luke, Grace, Jack, Esther – as a part of who they are. In my eyes, Madj lives on, in all of you, each and every day. And it’s a gift, a gift that no one can take away, one that you all give to everyone, even when you don’t realize it. That’s just Madj, man.
John, I’m very sorry for your loss; and that of your family. I remember Nancy inviting me to spaghetti dinner at the Sister’s House on Pecan, when you two were friends. She was always cheerful. I’m sure you miss her a lot. Praying God’s grace to you brother.
Agape’, Jon Whitacre