Margaret "Peggy" M. McGowan

Born in Taunton, the daughter of the late William R. and Mary E. (Czaya) McGowan, she was a longtime resident of Fall River.

A graduate of Coyle & Cassidy High School, Class of 1975, she earned an Associate’s degree from Bristol Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and a Master’s in Social Work from Boston College. She worked as an attendant at the Paul A. Dever School in Taunton for 23 years. Upon obtaining her Master's degree she then went on to be a Case Manager for the Department of Developmental Disabilities in Plymouth until her retirement.

Her most beloved employment was in her retirement, when she took on a job working as a crossing guard for the Fall River school system. She learned each child by name, often provided them encouragement with a “fist bump”, and looked out for their wellbeing and safety both as a crossing guard and an advocate. She often told friends and family it was the happiest she had been in her entire life. In 2022 she won a community service award for her work as a crossing guard.

A New England sports enthusiast, she enjoyed country music, reading a good book on the beach and participating in the annual Jimmy Fund walks. A dedicated friend of Bill W., she had proudly earned her chip for 39 years of sobriety just recently.

Peggy lived a life of faith and service as a regular parishioner at St. Michael’s church. She imbued the motto of her alma matta, Coyle and Cassidy and truly “entered this world to learn, and learned to serve.” She was happiest when she could alleviate another’s suffering, be it a fellow human or a furry companion, and did so with loyalty, compassion and passionate advocacy.

She will also be remembered for her larger-than-life personality, especially while watching New England sports, and her zest for life.

She is survived by one brother, William “Bill” McGowan and his wife Brenda; two sisters, Patricia “Patty” Roderick and MaryBeth McGowan; three nieces, Elizabeth “Beth” Phillips and her husband Sasha, Katelyn “Katie” McGowan (Brian Donahue) and Mackenzie Roderick. BFF (Best Furry Friend) Brady. She was the sister-in-law of the late Daniel E. “Ted” Roderick.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Michael’s Church, 189 Essex Street, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Contributions in her honor may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602 Boston, MA 02215, https://www.childrenshospital.org/ or Forever Paws, 300 Lynwood St, Fall River, MA 02721. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Taunton.