Ruth McGowan - May 29, 1925 - April 12, 2025

Ruth Irene McGowan, nee' Joscelyne, caught her cloud to heaven, where she was joyfully welcomed by her husband Bill, parents Charles and Helena, siblings Helen, Charles, Edward, and George as well as other relatives and friends.

She will be greatly missed by her children Patricia (Alex), Kathleen (Richard), Bill (Grace) and Jim, grandchildren Angela (Seth), Alex, Patrick, Bill (Rachel) and Kendal (Kyle) and great grandchildren Adrienne Ruth and Liam, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

She was born at home at 8418 Hegerman Street (Holmesburg) on May 29, 1925. Her father filled out her birth certificate with a weight of 10 lbs because it was "a good round number."

Growing up, her siblings were friendly with the McGowan family who lived a block away. As her sister Helen said, "For every Joscelyne, there's a McGowan!" She was proven right when Ruth Joscelyne married Bill McGowan on February 12, 1953.

Ruth was a dedicated nurse who graduated from the Misericordia Nursing School Class of 1946 and used her skills in a wide variety of nursing positions. One of her proudest achievements was her professional career as a nurse, and she encouraged her family to pursue education, respect others, and enjoy life. Her favorite motto was "As you are seen, you are esteemed," which we heard frequently.

She loved her family and had immense pride in her cherished grandchildren, creating special relationships and memories throughout their childhood, teen, and adult years. She took every opportunity to tell her family how much she loved us and how proud she was of us all.

Ruth had an adventurous spirit and an interesting life: renovating and living in an historic farmhouse, adopting the family pony, traveling far and wide with friends and her sister Helen, hosting tea parties, and enjoying restaurants ("get something good!") She was a firm believer in saying "yes" to invitations and a lifelong fan of Hershey's Kisses. Ruth enjoyed hobbies and crafts throughout her life and was generous in giving her creations to family and unsuspecting friends. In her 98th year, she began making knotted fleece blankets and diligently made over 100 blankets for children living at a homeless family shelter to give them comfort at a turbulent time in their young lives.

Ruth's family is grateful for the support from her caregivers at Josinia Senior Home Care and Neshaminy Manor, where she was warmly welcomed by both residents and staff and enjoyed music, crafts and gardening. Caring Hospice Services provided wonderful support to Ruth and her family. And a special thank you to Mrs. Carol A., who helped keep her comfortable in her home as long as possible.

We invite family and friends to help us honor Ruth at St Dominic Catholic Church, 8504 Frankford Ave Philadelphia - the church where she received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Marriage - on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Visitation at 10:00 AM, Mass at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Montgomery County Hero Fund (montgomerycountyherofund.org), Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com.