JoAnn McGowan Dauw

JoAnn McGowan Dauw passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 19, 2026 at the age of 69. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Jim Dauw. She is remembered by her children, Jackie (Dauw) Wight (Cory), Alex Dauw (Kelly) and Michael Dauw and grandchildren Annie Wight, Mary Wight, Claire Dauw and James Dauw, and her siblings Lillian (McGowan) Maisch (Glen), Ernie McGowan (Joanne), Kenneth McGowan, Patrick McGowan (Joan), Fritzi McGowan, Kathleen (McGowan) Foster, James McGowan, and many beloved Dauws and nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother, Josephine (Perry) McGowan, her father, Kenneth McGowan and her father-in-law, Edward Dauw.

JoAnn was born in Kingston, New York on February 24, 1957. She was the 3rd of 8 children and took on the role of older sister very seriously, earning her the nickname of “Sarge.” JoAnn attended Kingston High School and served in the US Army November 1975 - November 1978. She was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany and Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. She was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4th Class. She married Jim in December 1982 in Kingston and settled in Southern California in 1986 for 38 years. She lived her last two years in Dillon, CO.

JoAnn lived to be a mother, and was a wonderful one. Affectionately named “Mama Dauw,” her home was the place to be, in large part due to a well stocked refrigerator and walk-in pantry. She was a natural host. She valued deep relationships with family and friends and spent many hours on the phone doing her very favorite activity, talking. She was happiest on a beach walk in the sun or anywhere where she could enjoy a Michelob Ultra (always in a glass) with the people she loved. She had quite a talent for planning, especially family reunions for the Dauws and McGowans. JoAnn became a grandmother “Mimi” in 2021 and nothing made her prouder. Her greatest gift was her ability to make those around her feel loved, never ending a visit or a call without “I love you.”

Burial will be held at Dillon Cemetery on Saturday, March 28th at 3pm. A Celebration of Life will be held in Southern California in the following weeks, details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Timberline Adult Day Program. https://timberlineadultday.com/Timberline-Adult-Respite-Care