Jane Hart Gowen passed away peacefully, surrounded in love with her family by her side on July 23, 2023, after a lengthy journey through dementia. She will be forever remembered for her generous nature, kindness, eternal optimism, vivacious, fun loving, adventurous spirit, and deep dedication to her family.
Jane was born on December 30, 1937, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Edmund and Viola Hart. She graduated high school in 1956 at Union High School of Wisconsin Dells where she enjoyed playing the clarinet in the band and cheerleading. Following graduation, she earned her Associate degree in Madison, Wisconsin. It was here that her passion and curiosity for seeing the world began and a nickname was given, “Curious Jane”.
Her twin sister, Sally, moved to Dallas after accepting a job with Delta Airlines. Jane quickly followed seeing it as the perfect opportunity to join her sister in the travel business and quench her thirst for seeing the world.
Soon after arriving in Dallas, a blind date was arranged through friends with a handsome, gentle Dallas native, Ted Gowen. Weeks before the date, Ted, had admired her from afar at a local restaurant. As Jane left, Ted asked the manager if he’d seen her before. The manager sadly answered no. As he watched her leave, he was filled with regret for not introducing himself. As fate would have it, this lovely lady answered her door a few weeks later to welcome her blind date, Ted Gowen. Ted was speechless, and stunned to the point that Jane asked him if something was wrong. Ted answered he was in disbelief that their paths had crossed once again and shared his story of seeing her weeks prior. Three months later they entered into a marriage that would last 30 years. They went on to have 2 children, David and Laurie. Jane was a loving, ever-present mother dedicating her life to her family and volunteer work. As an early, longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Richardson, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school to the young children. She was a volunteer for Wadley Blood Bank visiting hospitalized children surprising them with treats, lots of love and compassion. Her volunteer work carried into local politics, always enjoying working the polls and campaigning with great enthusiasm.
Her final volunteer position held a very special place in her heart. Grandson Seth, began elementary school and Grandma Jane followed taking on a position in the clinic as an assistant to the nurse allowing her the opportunity to see Seth everyday. This was also a perfect fit for her as she possessed a special, gentle way of comforting one when not feeling well.
Jane loved deeply, always opening her home to welcome others, gaining another nickname, neighborhood mom. In her quest to celebrate life and spread joy to others, Jane threw many parties impromptu whether it was to celebrate the Cowboy’s win, a progressive dinner, water volleyball matches, Kentucky Derby, all to bring friends together. Her home was always open for fun but also to those in need of a temporary home, furry friends included.
Outside of her backyard and traveling, her other favorite fun spot to share with friends was Lake Texoma. She spent many joyful years with family and friends boating, floating and laughing.
After raising David and Laurie, Jane began her corporate career. Her love of travel was still burning bright so she forged a path into the corporate travel world. She found early success bringing in enough business to venture out on her own. With great determination and optimism the trailblazer in her opened her own company, Jane Gowen Travel, in the mid 1980’s. Her main investor, Ted, was cautiously optimistic given we were in a serious recession. One year later, he had his return on investment.
She used this time to fulfill her dreams of traveling the world, enjoying the different cultures and foods.
Jane retired after 20 years and spent her final years enjoying time with family and helping to raise her grandson, Seth, whom she joyfully spent everyday with.
Jane is survived by children, David and Laurie; son-in-law, Van Roberts; grandchildren, Seth Gowen, John Roberts, Will Roberts, Camille Roberts, Grace Roberts, and Hanna Roberts.
We would like to thank the loving staff of Queensferry, Manchester Homes, for their patience, warmth, and love for our mother and our family. We will hold you in our hearts forever.
Please join us for a celebration of life on September 23, 2023 at 11 am at Dallas Bible Church, 15765 Hillcrest, Dallas, TX 75248.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.
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