Gloria Gertrude McGowan (Retired USAF), age 87, of Severna Park, MD, formerly of San Antonio, TX went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 18, 2015 after a brief illness. She was born on April 7, 1927 in Norfolk, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Worth W. and Ida Sauls; her husband, Major Frank "Mac" McGowan, (Retired USAF); and her brother Worth S. Sauls. Gloria was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister-in-law and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her warmth, charm, and generous heart touched everyone who knew her.

Gloria graduated in 1948 from Norfolk General Hospital School of Nursing in Norfolk, VA. In 1950, she was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force Nurse Corps. As a registered nurse on a Military Airlift Command Aeronautical Unit, she was responsible for in-flight care of wounded servicemen. During her service, Gloria received the National Defense Service Medal. She also met and married the love of her life, Mac. She was honorably discharged in 1956 as a Captain at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, AK.

Gloria and Mac settled in San Antonio where they raised their three children.

After retiring from the Air Force, Gloria continued her nursing career in Texas as an operating room nurse. She retired in 1985 from Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center in San Antonio, but she didn't slow down. Gloria was incredibly active and was always on the go.

She loved to read, watch films and travel. She enjoyed nature and was an accomplished painter and potter. She was also a dedicated volunteer assisting with Holy Spirit Catholic Church and St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home ministries and fundraising activities. She helped decorate the church and altar for Advent and Christmas, organized fashion shows and luncheons, hosted a Hawaiian Luau fundraiser at her home and worked in the church's thrift shop.

Gloria was married to Mac for 47 years. Their marriage was marked by devotion to God, love, family, laughter and many adventures – boating, camping and countless trips to visit friends and family. She and Mac were active members of the Air Force Association, Irish Cultural Society, Optimist Club and 24 Karat Club, a group of fun-loving couples who got together monthly for dinner.

In 2013, Gloria moved to Brightview Severna Park to be near her children, grandchildren and other family members. She quickly got to know everyone and took full advantage of Brightview's many activities such as cooking demonstrations and tasting events. "It is such fun to be part of events like these," Gloria said. "Our meals are always delicious, but going behind-the-scenes and experiencing the hard work that goes into meal preparation – and enjoying the wine pairings – is a real treat." She loved participating in as many social, educational and recreational opportunities she could fit in to her busy schedule, including daily exercise classes in the fitness center. In her spare time, she served as Secretary of the Brightview Severna Park Residents' Association.

Gloria's greatest legacy and love was her family. She is survived by a daughter and her husband, Catherine and Craig Fowler of Cullowhee, NC; two sons and their wives, Patrick and Sabrina McGowan of North Bethesda, MD and Kevin and Jennifer McGowan of Severna Park, MD. She is also survived by grandchildren Danielle Fowler, Alicia Fowler, Kyle McGowan, Ryan McGowan, Connor McGowan and Katelyn McGowan; sister-in-law Bess Sauls; nieces Mary Howard and Jeanie Sauls; nephew Steve Sauls and his wife Debbie; and great-nephew Nick Sauls and his wife Leann; and granddogs Chase and Zoe.

Gloria's family wishes to acknowledge and thank Dr. Stuart L. Jacobs and the nurses and other medical staff at Baltimore Washington Medical Center. The family also thanks the staff at Brightview Severna Park for helping make Gloria's past 14 months so special.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, January 23, 2015 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at Barranco and Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home.

A mass will be celebrated in memory of Gloria on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:00am at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home, 919 Mission Road, San Antonio, TX 78210.