Dolora "Dee" Gowans

Dolora “Dee” Arline Gowans, 84, of Lonaconing died Sunday, November 8, peacefully at her residence. Born January 21, 1936 in Lonaconing she was the daughter of the late John and Catherine (Nicol) McKenzie.

Dee was in the first graduating class of Valley High School in 1954 and went on to be a telephone operator in Washington D.C., where she enjoyed taking and receiving telephone calls from the Whitehouse.  She then moved to Wilmington, Delaware and continued to be a telephone operator and had the privilege of making the first call on a new phone system to the governor of Delaware.  She ended her telephone operator career in Piedmont, West Virginia.  After spending time off raising her daughter, she resumed working at Workmeister Agency as a realtor and insurance representative.  After retirement she served as president of the Park City, Florida Shuffleboard Club.  Dee was the longest serving president in the club’s history.  Dee and Jack enjoyed being snowbirds for 24 blissful years.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Lonaconing and the Morning Star Temple #1 Pythian Sisters.  Dee loved cooking and entertaining family and friends.  She was a very special, devoted and loving Nana.  Nick and Ben fondly remember the many fun times spent with her.

She is survived by her loving husband John “Jack” Gowans of 64 years, one daughter; Kim Preston and husband Lonnie, two grandsons; Nicholas Preston and wife Emily and Benjamin Preston and wife Taylor, one great-granddaughter; Palmer Preston, one great-grandson; Ace Preston, one sister; Ardtha Robertson, two sisters-in-law; Jeannette Yates and Anna Lee Gowans and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the employees of Comfort Keepers and Hospice for their kindness and excellent care.

Family and Friends will be received at the Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home P.A., Lonaconing on Monday November 16, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday November 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Thomas Morgan officiating. Inurnment will follow at Frostburg Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 1 East Main Street, Lonaconing, MD 21539 and UPMC Western Maryland Hospice, 1050 West Industrial Blvd, Cumberland, MD 21502.

Face masks will be required for all of those attending.