Frances Eileen McGowan

Frances Eileen McGowan, a devoted mother, pioneering dietitian, and woman of remarkable faith, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on March 15, 1930, in Providence, Rhode Island to Leonard and Marguerite Mournighan. She received the Last Rites October 29th, 2025.

Frances’s life was marked by a spirit of adventure and dedication to service. At the age of 15, she showed extraordinary courage and pioneering spirit by flying a Piper J-3 open-cockpit airplane as a member of the Rhode Island Civil Air Patrol during World War II.

Her commitment to education and health led her to Salve Regina College in Newport, where she was a distinguished member of the first graduating class and earned her degree as a dietitian. Frances dedicated her professional career to serving her community, working for the Kaw Area Technical College and the 501 School District, from which she retired after a long and impactful career. She also earned her Masters Degree in Nutrition at Kansas State University. She enjoyed over 25 years of retirement, cherishing her time with family and in prayer.

In 1952, Frances met her husband of 47 years, Francis McGowan, who passed away in 2001. They met at the Legion of Mary and were married in 1953 in Providence, RI.

A woman whose life was centered on deep spiritual devotion, Frances was known in her religious life as Tertiary Sister Hyacinth of the Dominican order. She was also a long-time, active member of The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP).

Frances’s greatest legacy is her large and loving family. Besides her husband, Francis, she is pre-deceased by her daughter, Margaret and her brothers, Irving, Leonard, and Richie. She is survived by her dear sister, Peg McLaughlin.

Frances was the proud mother of thirteen children: Michael (Leslie), Kathleen, Patrick (Esther), Steve (Cindy), Elizabeth (Lynn), Eileen, Maureen (John), Thomas, Joseph, Patricia (David), Brigid, and Peter.

She was a cherished grandmother to twelve grandchildren: Joshua (Danielle), Shannon, Caitlin, Ryan, Brian (Joyelle), Andrew, Allen (Ashley), Sarah (Cooper), Maggie, Stacey, Dominic, and Alexander. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Anna and Aria, who brought her immense joy.

Frances's life led her to travel to all 50 U.S. states. Her global exploration continued alongside her husband, and she frequently accompanied her 13 children and siblings on unforgettable journeys, to include several countries such as Canada, Ireland, Italy, Vatican, France, England, Netherlands, and Mexico.

She lived in many places throughout her life, including Ann Arbor, MI; New Britain, CT; New Hartford, CT; Saint Marys, KS; York, PA; Stafford, VA, and St. Cloud, FL. Her favorite location was Lake Tahoe, NV, where she lived with her youngest son, Pete, and grandson, Dominic.

Frances E. McGowan will be remembered for her unwavering faith, strength, and her love of family.

The family will recite the rosary for Frances at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS with a visitation following until 7:00 PM. A requiem Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 4 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 14611B Waterman Crossing Rd., Maple Hill, KS with burial following in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys.

Memorial contributions in Frances' memory may be made to either the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) or to Midland Care and may be left in care of Piper Funeral Home.