Background
McGowan was born Mary Elizabeth McGowan on April 25, 1885 to James J. and Ellen (Sweeney) McGowan, natives of County Donegal, Ireland.
McGowan was born Mary Elizabeth McGowan on April 25, 1885 to James J. and Ellen (Sweeney) McGowan, natives of County Donegal, Ireland.
A member of the Roman Catholic faith her whole life, she was educated at Akron"s Saint Vincent"s (now Street Vincent–Street Mary High School) and went on to attend the Actual Business College also in Akron.
In total she was served from 1938–1980. McGowan began her career in politics when she served as Summit County, Ohio probate recorder, a position she held for 20 years. She was also a Democratic District committeewoman from 1938 until her death in 1980, and was an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1944 (representing the 14th District), and a delegate to the Convention in 1952, 1956 and 1964.
In 1960, she ran successfully for a seat in the Ohio House 42nd District, serving on the Welfare Committee, and was re-elected in 1962.
In 1972, when she was 86, she ran unsuccessfully for a third term in the Ohio House of Representatives (winning the primary election but losing in the general election). Her brother Dan was a Notre Dame graduate and instrumental in starting the boxing team there.
McGowan died on March 15, 1980, after she failed to show up as the grand marshal for a Saint Patrick"s Day parade celebration in Akron, and was found dead in her home. McGowan"s death was a huge loss to the Akron community and her funeral was well attended.
Mary McGowan is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.
She was a member of the Democratic Party, and was a Roman Catholic. She was an active member of Saint Sebastian Church in Akron, and was a President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Ladies Auxiliary.