Diane Woodside McGowan

Diane Elizabeth Woodside McGowan, 71, of Charlotte, NC died Monday, May 22 at Carolinas Medical Center. A native Charlottean, Diane was born June 1, 1945, the daughter of the late D. Mack Woodside and A. Rochelle 'Chellie' Luther Woodside. After graduating from Myers Park High School, Diane attended UNC Greensboro and then received a degree in the Executive Secretarial Program at Kings Business College.

For 51 years, Diane was married to her high school sweetheart Robert (Bob) William McGowan. She raised three children while providing support to Bob as he grew a successful business. She was also a devoted member of the Junior League of Charlotte, where she formed many treasured friendships and also served as the chief of bookkeeping for over 13 years. She was a devoted wife and mother, a steadfast daughter and sister, a loyal friend, and a very proud Grandee.

Diane had a wonderful sense of humor, like her mother, and she instilled in all who knew her a legacy of strength, generosity and a sense of adventure. Diane is survived by her loving husband; three children, Robert William (Bill) McGowan, Jr. (Rebecca), Mack Woodside McGowan and Mary Rochelle McGowan Roth (Jason); four grandchildren, Blair Elizabeth McGowan, Abigail Elizabeth Roth, Mary Caitlin Roth and Bradley McGowan Roth; brothers, Harris Woodside and Don Woodside (Christina); her mother-in-law Mary Reeves McGowan; sisters-in-law Elsie McGowan Kittrell (Rod) and Toni McGowan; brother-in-law Lewis Saunders; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Donna Rochelle Woodside Saunders, father-in-law Mack D. McGowan and brother-in-law Donnie McGowan. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The National Cancer Research Foundation.

A celebration of Diane's life will be held at Park Road Baptist Church this Thursday at 2pm. Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte NC 28212. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.McEwenFS.com