Una Mary Gowan

Una Gowan, devoted and loving wife and mother, died in Spokane after an extended illness on Dec. 16, 2007. She was 86. Born Una Mary Cunningham in Kilkeel, County Down, Ireland on Dec. 8, 1921, Una came to the United States from Ireland in 1928, landing at Ellis Island. She was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Cunningham. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles (Chuck) R. Gowan, brother Dermott (Bud) Cunningham, half-sister Aaureen Quinn Doran and half-brothers Patrick (P.D.) Cunningham and Desmond Quinn.

Una met Charles Gowan in Los Angeles in 1946, marrying in 1947. Una and Charles moved to Walla Walla in 1948 where Charles owned and operated the Anchor Tavern for 25 years, before his death in 1970. Una and Charles are survived by six children: Mike-Bellingham, Dennis-Yelm, Pam (Gowan) Hare-Moses Lake, Brian-Houston, Cindy (Gowan) Heintz-Spokane and David-Othello. Una is also survived by 26 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Una, the consummate wife and mother, loved, nurtured and supported her family until her death. Una's home in Walla Walla was a hub of activity for her children and their friends. Una touched the lives of hundreds of people. No one was ever turned away or left hungry. Una was a member of the St. Patrick's Altar Society and the St. Patrick's School PTA. Una moved to Spokane in 1984, where she lived until her death. She leaves behind a legacy rich in grace, kindness and Irish wit. A memorial service is planned for the Holiday Inn Express Conference Center in Walla Walla Saturday Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. Friends and family are welcome to share in the joy of her life.