Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on July 26, 2023.
Cherished wife of the late John Gowens and Loving Mom to Stephanie Gowens. Daughter of the late Daniel & Betty Fitzgerald; Sister to the late Danny, Terri and David (Jessica survives) Fitzgerald; our Sister-in-law, Aunt, Niece and Cousin.
Donna was a devoted RN for nearly 45 years, working mainly in ERs and trauma centers across the St. Louis area, and was particularly proud of her role as a founding member of the Nurse Honor Guard St. Louis. When not reading, in her down-time Donna could often be found at the bingo hall or at an area Texas Hold ‘em table. Donna passed on her love of reading and her compassionate nature to Stephanie, for which she is forever grateful.
GOWENS, John
Passed away on August 7, 2022. We will simultaneously celebrate the life of John Gowens, as Donna had not been well enough since John’s passing for us to come together to do so prior. Loving son of Jack and the late Judith Gowens; brother of Rick, Mike and Jackie Gowens; our loving uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.
John was the loving and dedicated husband of Donna and the adoring father of Stephanie. John devoted his life to his wife and daughter and to the care of his own. A natural outdoorsman, John’s ideal day was spent on the river with his dogs, a jetski and the radio blasting some oldies. Very handy around the house, John was a good teacher of these practical skills to Stephanie, and he especially passed on to her his passion for cooking.
Funeral Services for Donna and a Celebration of Life for John will be held together at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63125 with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at St. Paul’s Churchyard in Rock Hill, MO. If desired, memorial donations in the Gowens’s honor may be made to the Nurse Honor Guard St. Louis, 350 Chicago St., Kirkwood, MO 63122, the Humane Society of St. Louis or to a charity of your choice.
