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Elizabeth “Betsy” Gowan

Elizabeth “Betsy” Gowan, 83, of Webster Groves, MO, passed away on June 16, 2023. She was born on May 8, 1940, in Montclair, NJ, to the late Jerome Taylor Congleton and Elizabeth Hodson Congleton. Betsy was preceded in death by her brother, Jerome Taylor Congleton Jr. and her first husband, John Fergusson.

Betsy was an outgoing person who made friends with everyone she met and was there to help anyone in need. She was active in Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter HF, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Cornelia Greene Chapter, and enjoyed water aerobics with her many friends for over 35 years. She also had a passion for gardening, collecting antiques, adopting many dogs and cats over the decades and caring for neighbors and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, George Gowan, and her children and stepchildren, Brian Fergusson (Karen) and Anne Fergusson Landers (Jim), William Gowan, Richard Gowan (Cathryn) her grandchildren, Erin, Jack, Megan, Matthew, Franklin, George, Eaton, Edrie and Ben.

Betsy’s life will be celebrated at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, located at 45 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO. Service will be on Friday, July 21st at 1:00p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Missouri at 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or online at the following link: https://www.hsmo.org/tributes-memorials/.

Betsy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

10 Comments

  1. Mary Wells on July 1, 2023 at 6:13 pm

    She was a wonderful friend. She will be very missed.



  2. Gerri Seitz on July 1, 2023 at 8:43 pm

    I miss this dear lady.



  3. Sheronda Hall on July 2, 2023 at 10:26 am

    I will miss this beautiful soul. She will forever be in my heart



  4. Susan Dowd on July 2, 2023 at 3:48 pm

    Karen, Brian, Erin, Jack and Meghan,
    Sending much love and my deepest sympathy for your loss. There are never enough words that one can say to help ease your pain. May you hold all the special memories close to your hearts. With much love,
    Susan Dowd and Family❤️



  5. Kimberly (Ellis) Leech on July 4, 2023 at 12:29 am

    My condolences to you Anne! May her memories be FOREVER in your heart! May God bless you and your family!



  6. Pat Benefield on July 17, 2023 at 5:07 pm

    I met Betsy at water aerobics where we laughed and shared stories. She loved to go out to lunch and shared her beautiful flowers with us. I miss her every day.



  7. Lorraine and Jay Fleischman ♥️ on July 18, 2023 at 5:34 am

    Our deepest sympathies to Brian, Anne and your families. For the last 40 years we had enjoyed sharing stories of the kids and grandkids. She loved you so much. Betsy will be so missed.



  8. Betty Seitz on July 18, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    Betsy was a dear and valued friend. We enjoyed water aerobics at Webster Pool, lunches at various restaurants, and just talking and laughing together. I miss her now and will never forget her! My sincere condolences to Anne and the rest of her family!
    Betty Seitz



  9. Steve & Sue Shumate on July 18, 2023 at 10:24 pm

    Brian, Anne and your families-
    Betsy was an amazing woman and will be missed by so many. Sue and I are lucky to have had her in our lives for so long. May God provide peace to all of you as you celebrate her wonderful life.
    Peace,



  10. Sherry West on August 22, 2023 at 12:00 pm

    Betsy made me feel at home in a new neighborhood and in PEO. I’ll remember her with love.



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