1943 - 2021
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
Funeral
February 4, 202111 AM
St. John the Evangelist Church, Website https://chelmsfordcatholic.org/watch-via-livestream
On January 30, 2021, Leslie Joyce (Carlton) McGowan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was married to the late Philip McGowan of Lowell, MA who died in 2008.
Leslie was born on February 3, 1943, to the late Leslie H. Carlton and Ethel A. (Brodeur) Carlton. She grew up in the Powderhouse Square area of Somerville, MA, attending Saint Clements before her family moved to Wilmington, MA. She was a graduate of Wilmington High School and she attended Northeastern University. She was a member of the Wedelyn Ski Club, where she met and fell in love with her husband, Phil of 40 years. They married in 1968 and had three children whom they adored.
Leslie worked for Cabot Corporation before taking time off to raise her three children. She went back to work when her children were older, starting at Lowell Shoe and then helping to run McGowan Auto Sales for 20 years. After moving full time to Meredith, NH, Leslie worked for Paquette Signs before retiring in 2018. After retirement she volunteered at Hands Across the Table, the Outreach program and the Nashua Soup Kitchen.
Leslie was the kindest woman you ever met. Independent, strong, with a loving and fun personality, she loved to ski, travel, read, go to the theater, spend time with dear friends and her loving family. After spending 30+ years in the Lakes Region, the 20 years she spent living at Grouse Point in Meredith were among her favorite times. She loved driving around town in her flashy red sports car, enjoying the gorgeous lake and mountain views, and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee.
She is predeceased by her brother, Robert E. Carlton. She is survived by her children, Phil and his wife Belinda of Dover, MA, Brian and his wife Jen of Nashua, NH and Lisa and her husband Dave Kasparian of Dover, MA. She was the proud grandmother to her seven grandchildren: Ava, Ella, Connor, Philip, Hailey, Alice and Patrick.
There will be no visiting hours. A Funeral Mass will be Thursday at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions seating is limited. Please attend virtually at https://www.chelmsfordcatholic.org/watch-via-livestream. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. Memorials may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250 Framingham, MA 01701. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Ray and Anne Lyons. Ireland
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Sincere condolences to the Mc Gowan family and extended family and friends on the passing of their dear mother. Especially to Phil Belinda and family whom we have got to know personally since our family moved to Dover. Her pain is over and may she rest in peace with the Angels.
Alan & Sandy Bloom
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We will greatly miss out dear friend and past made-of honor. 58 yrs. ago. I have prayed daily that yu all would be with her………as yu were. Our condolences to all of yu she was a special lady!
Jeanne Carrick
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What a sad day for all of us. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Joyce was the dearest friend, the most fun person to be with, and a strong and loving woman. You all were the reason for her living after your father died, and I will cherish forever all the fun times, the trips and the wonderful memories we all shared. God bless you all, love you! Jeanne
Tony and Maria Nunes
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Dear Lisa and Dave,
As we read your mom’s obituary we both commented on how much we would have liked to have met her. What a truly remarkable and lovely woman. She fought a good fight and now her pain and suffering are over and she is at peace.
Kalin (Krueger) Carroll
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Lisa, Brian and Phil,
I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a WONDERFUL woman. Every single memory I have of her is warm, funny or welcoming….even when I was a handful 🙂 I hope all of the love she showed you and the memories you have will bring you all comfort.
Again, I am heartbroken for you all and will be praying for you and your mom.
Xo Kalin
Stacey & Raymond Dailey
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Phil, Brian and Lisa, your mother was one of the original neighborhood moms. She had a smile that brighten the room, and a laugh that made you laugh. May your memories of her be shared for years to come. Our condolences to you all
Stacey and Raymond Dailey
Paul O'Neil
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Sending love to Brian, Lisa and the rest of your families.
Andrea and Paul Romanus
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Brian, Phil , Lisa and Families
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She will live on in your memories.
Love
Andrea and Paul Romanus
Kerry Sheehan
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Phil, Brian, Lisa and family. I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I will keep you in my prayers as you journey through this profound loss.
Kerry Sheehan
Leslie Jasper
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Joyce was an awesome lady. We were co-coaches on a cheerleading trip to Amsterdam where my daughter and hers were teammates. We had a wonderful time and Joyce was a wonderful traveling companion. She was warm and funny and so good with all those 14- and 15-year old girls. So sorry that her children and grandchildren have lost her but I’m sure she’s watching them from heaven.
Chris Fay
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Brian, Lisa and Phil
So sorry for your loss. I remember it like it was yesterday, I bumped into your Mom with my girls at the Kellerhaus. I hadn’t seen her in years but she was so excited to see me and my girls since she had seen me grow up when Brian and I would terrorize Lisa:) I wish I could be with you all during this time but know you are in my thoughts.
Love you all
Chris
Pam Klingler
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Our condolences to your family. We are sad to learn of Leslie’s passing. We didn’t know that she was sick and hope she is resting in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Pam, Sue and Justin
GPC
Nancy McCoy
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To all the family, we were so sorry to hear of Leslie’s passing. We had such fun times with your mom and dad at Grouse Point back in the day. Always a smile and a laugh to be shared. She was a force!! And will be missed.
Nancy and Tom
Bob and Linda Mcguirk
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To Brian, Jen and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Best Regards,
Bob & Linda
Susan And Steve Hooper
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We have such happy memories of our adventures with Joyce. She was a wonderful neighbor in Laconia as well as a good friend. Not fair that she left us so soon but I’m sure her departed family and pets are glad to see her. I smile when I recall our times together. Sympathy and prayers to Phil and Belinda, Brian and Jenny, Lisa and Dave and all the grandchildren.
Barbara Flanagan
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We, of the Wedeln Ski Club, we’re so happy to know Joyce, who was always such a friendly member: a good sport, helpful , cheery and willing to try anything. When she met Phil, also a charter member with us oldies, it was a perfect match, a foil for his humor. I’m sure she was a wonderful mom, and helped fill the void when your Dad passed so suddenly. Our prayers are for you all. They’re together again,
Sincerely, Ed and Barbara (Baroni) Flanagan
Suzanne and Chris Brunelli
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Sincere condolences from your neighbors
Wishing you comfort and peace in these tough times
Suzanne, Chris, and Meadow
Carol Slavin
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Dear Lisa Brian Phil, and family, Sending our deepest condolences. We have so many great memories spent together over the 4th of July at our pool and yard, too many to list. our kids practically grew up together. We will truly miss your mom RIP Joyce. Love, John &Carol Slavin
W’d love to hear from you when you have a chance IM me on FB
Anne and Tom McAllister
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Dearest Brian, Lisa, Phil and your wonderful families,
We were so very sorry to hear of Leslie’s
passing. We hold such wonderful memories of her witty personality, smile and generous heart.
How fortunate I feel to have had her as a special friend. I have such wonderful memories to cherish, starting from all those years at Grouse Point and the times since.
Our thought and prayers are with you.
Anne and Tom
Nora Bernarducci
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Phil, Brian and Lisa- our thoughts are with all of you as you honor your wonderful mother. She was a terrific woman who raised amazing children and she was blessed to have all of you and your families with her and loving her right into her next adventure. I’m so happy she is with Big Phil again.
Lots of love – Nora and Jeff Bernarducci
Chris & Amanda Russo
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Dear Phil, Brian and Lisa,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, you have our sincerest condolences. Your Mom was an incredible woman that raised amazing kids. It is never easy to lose a loved one but to know she is at rest and in peace helps. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Chris & Amanda
Ron Basile
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Phil and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mon’s passing. My condolences and prayers to you and your family. Having read the obituary and comments I can see that she was a truly amazing woman, where you have so many fond memories to cherish.
Werner Rebsamen
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Returning from a 2 week vacation in Mexico, I did learn of Leslie’s eternal journey. So sad, as neighbors we established such a close relationship as the McGowans invited my wife and myself, being alone, to their Thanksgiving dinner.
It is not too long ago that I had the pleasure talking to Leslie at the GPC beach. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to the entire McGowan Family.