SKOWHEGAN – On Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, the love of my life, my wife, Heather Elaine McGowan, earned her angel wings when she passed away very peacefully at our home unexpectedly after a long battle with end-stage COPD.

Heather was born on August 21, 1966, daughter of Merlene and Nicholas Ambulos and predeceased by her father, George Snedden, II. As many know, Heather had a twin, whom she had a special connection with, Holly Shaw. They were twins in every sense of the meaning often sharing similar illnesses, thoughts, trials and tribulations, mostly sharing love and understanding.

She attended Skowhegan Area High School, graduating in 1984. She was a stitcher at Dexter Shoe and Dirigo for many years. She received her CNA/MHRT certification. She worked with disabled adults at Clearview Manor and Project Leaf. She made a difference touching many people’s lives.

On Nov. 12, 1983, she married Wayne McGowan, her soulmate and they recently celebrated 37 years together. They worked hard together raising their three children. Heather was a very young mother but was extremely proud when she had her twins, as she was a twin herself. The bond with her twin girls was very special but her second love was her son, Michael Wayne (Mikey). Heather appreciated all the love and care her children showed her through this illness. Three hearts are absolutely broken.

One of their biggest joys was their eight grandchildren. They enjoyed camping, trips to the coast, canoeing and their memorable trip to Jamaica. Heather enjoyed music, dancing, writing, crafting and loved lawn sales but she mostly bought for others. She was a collector of many things but, most of all, she was a collector of people. She brought many adults and children home, either to give them a place to stay or an ear to listen. Whatever she had to offer, she would gladly give. She was one of the kindest people you could possibly know. You have never had a hug unless you have had a Heather hug!!

She is survived by her husband, Wayne McGowan; and three children, Michael McGowan and partner Brooklyn Cole, grandchildren Jocelyn and McKay; Jessica McGowan and fiance Todd McCutcheon, grandchildren Nevaeh (Boo), Kaydince, Ashton and Alec; and Jennifer McGowan and grandchildren Kaylee and Trey.

She is also survived by her parents, Merlene and Nicholas Ambulos; her siblings, Kim and Daniel Gray, Cheryl and Tim Knowles, Dana and Patty Fortin, Holly and Tom Shaw, Bobbi and Jamie Marshall; stepsiblings, Sandy Nye and Nicholas Ambulos, Jr.; half-siblings, George Jr. and Brenda Snedden, Scott and Beth Snedden; as well as her in-laws, Michael and Betty McGowan, Raine Campbell; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeffrey and Melanie McGowan, Colen McGowan, Melissa McGowan and fiance Dan Whittemore. She had special relationships with her many nieces and nephews but had an extremely close bond and was like a second mother to Brittany Marshall, Robbie Marshall and Matthew Gray. She had many friends, but three that were like sisters to her, Caroline Armstrong, Veronica Fortier and Lisa Lester.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Heather’s Life at later date.

We hope and pray that our beautiful Heather is flying high and breathing all that fresh air with new lungs. Rest easy.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

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