Bridget Alma McGlynn Gowen, mother of priest, dies
July 29, 2020 at 5:57 p.m.
She was the mother of Father Daniel Gowen, pastor of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly.
Born in Bayonne, Mrs. Gowen graduated from Holy Family Academy, Bayonne. She was employed by the Electro-Dynamic Company, as secretary to the safety director, who was responsible for building PT boats during World War II, including the famous PT-109.
She and her husband, Matthew, moved to Manasquan in 1961 and were members of St. Denis Parish for more than 60 years. She was active as a member of the Altar Rosary Society and the school PTA for more than 30 years.
Father Gowen noted that while his mother had many medical issues, she always spoke of being grateful to God for her 64 years of marriage and large family.
“Her faith was important to her, and that is something she instituted in her children,” Father Gowen said, noting that it pleased his mother that her six children all remained close to their Catholic faith.
“She is happy with the Lord,” he said. “She lived a blessed life.”
Mrs. Gowen was predeceased by her parents, Mary McGettigan and Daniel McGlynn, of Donegal, Ireland, and two brothers, Patrick and Daniel Jr. She is also survived by five other children: Matthew Jr. (Diana); Bernard (Dawn); Joseph (Laurie); James (Linda), and Marianne Gowen Ely (Brien); 13 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a sister and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Gowen's Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 16 in St. Denis Church. Burial was in St. Catharine Cemetery, Wall Township. Memorial donations may be made to Mary's Place by the Sea, 22 Main Ave., Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 or marysplacebythesea.org.
Related Stories
Friday, December 05, 2025
E-Editions
Events
She was the mother of Father Daniel Gowen, pastor of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly.
Born in Bayonne, Mrs. Gowen graduated from Holy Family Academy, Bayonne. She was employed by the Electro-Dynamic Company, as secretary to the safety director, who was responsible for building PT boats during World War II, including the famous PT-109.
She and her husband, Matthew, moved to Manasquan in 1961 and were members of St. Denis Parish for more than 60 years. She was active as a member of the Altar Rosary Society and the school PTA for more than 30 years.
Father Gowen noted that while his mother had many medical issues, she always spoke of being grateful to God for her 64 years of marriage and large family.
“Her faith was important to her, and that is something she instituted in her children,” Father Gowen said, noting that it pleased his mother that her six children all remained close to their Catholic faith.
“She is happy with the Lord,” he said. “She lived a blessed life.”
Mrs. Gowen was predeceased by her parents, Mary McGettigan and Daniel McGlynn, of Donegal, Ireland, and two brothers, Patrick and Daniel Jr. She is also survived by five other children: Matthew Jr. (Diana); Bernard (Dawn); Joseph (Laurie); James (Linda), and Marianne Gowen Ely (Brien); 13 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a sister and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Gowen's Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 16 in St. Denis Church. Burial was in St. Catharine Cemetery, Wall Township. Memorial donations may be made to Mary's Place by the Sea, 22 Main Ave., Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 or marysplacebythesea.org.