POSTED: November 13, 2009
McGowan park bench dedicated at AEA 267 By Margaret Thomsen Friends and family of Debra McGowan gathered at AEA 267 in Marshalltown to dedicate a park bench in her memory. The bench is located at the entrance to the Marshalltown site on 12th Street. Deb worked in the print shop at the AEA 267 Agency for 17 years prior to her untimely death in February of 2009. Co-worker Marilyn Ingham said, “Deb is missed a lot. We all loved her. The bench was purchased from donations from her co-workers at the AEA centers in Marshalltown, Clear Lake and Cedar Falls.” Cheryl Carrithuers, Supervisor of Information Technology, welcomed family and friends and thanked the Committee in charge of creating the memorial. Volunteer labor from Jerry Behounek and Bob England installed and landscaped the site. Iowa Hospice Chaplin Greg Boyle was dedication speaker and quoted Psalms as he reflected on how short our time is - Deb was only 54 at the time of her passing. He added, “It is not the quantity of time, but the quality of time. Deb was very family oriented with Dave, her husband of 35 years, her kids and her five grand kids.” He commented about her wonderful sense of humor and added, “Maybe she has a connection with how the Hawks are doing now. Everyone mentioned her smile. It was a smile even for strangers. It just brightened the day. But she had a smile in her heart as well as her face.” All the fun that Deb and her co-workers had was mentioned-from hiding her desk and filing cabinet to hiding the photos of her grandkids. The bench was chosen to become a place for workers and visitors to sit and relax. Chaplin Boyle added, “It was meant to recall the peace of presence that Deb offered, and to keep the example of life that Deb offered.” It is a lovely welcoming symbol - a warm welcome for visitors just as Deb always presented.
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