Judy H. McGowan

Providence Judy Hede McGowan, 58, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 9, 2014 surrounded by her closest friends.Judy was the proud mother of two children, Michael and JenniferMcGowan, and the former wife of Louis McGowan. She was the lovingsister of Linda Gaidimas, Casimir Gaidimas, Thomas Gaidimas, and ErikaPeltier. She was a close friend to many through book clubs, the OceanState Dart League, the Stone Soup Coffee House, and the teachingcommunity.Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Casimir and Hedwig (Poehl) Gaidimas, Judy lived in Smith Hill most of her life. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in biology, while working nights in the Miriam Hospital ER and raising her babies. Judy was a passionate educator in Providence, teaching science for 26 years at Mt. Pleasant and Central High Schools. She was a mentor and shining example for her students, who meant the world to her.Judy gave legendary hugs, made perfect apple and blueberry pies, andalways brought delicious potluck dishes. She loved science, reading,music, dancing, and shooting darts. She was humble, generous, andkind. She was curious, thoughtful, and intelligent. She was the 2008Ocean State Dart League Champion. The funeral will be held Monday, at 9:45 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Funeral Service at 11:00 am in Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 445 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. Burial will be in North Burial Ground, Providence. Visiting hours Sunday, 3 - 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Rhode Island College Upward Bound Scholarship Fund, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 in her memory will be appreciated.