Sandra "Sam" McGowan

Sandra "Sam" McGowan, beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away at home on February 6th, 2025. She was born on September 5th, 1942, in Sylvania, Ohio, to Emil and Cecelia Voegeli (Carroll).

Sandra's life was marked by her vibrant, sassy personality and her unwavering love for her family. She married Tom Donofrio-3 beautiful children, Franklin McGowan-3 beautiful children.  

Sam is survived by her children, Dawn Conner (Jack Steinhilper) Thomas A. Donofrio, Shannon (Brian) Johnston, Sean (Melissa) McGowan, Shane (Penny) McGowan. Extra sons, Will, Rich, JR, Ronnie, Andy, Sam, Chris and Danny. Extra daughters- Laurie, Misty & Sherrie Grandchildren; Alyssa, Jeremy, Tony, Tara (Mark), Caitlin, Brian II(Chelsea), Brandon (Samantha), Brent, Brittani Jean (Stevan), Shannon (Jarvis), Melina (Austin), Brittany, (Victoria) Sean Michael (Becca), Joe, Jailin (Sydney), Brianna & Reagan, Shane II., Max, Alana, Rashaun, Teri, Alexis, Michael, Brenda & Adrianna. Great-Grandchildren; Dylan (Jasmyn), Addison, Anastaysa, Hunter, Ethan, Avyanna, Kyler, Adalyne, Julian, Bryson, Kayden, Hailee, Dallas, Miloh, Harlyne, Raelyn, Julianna, Rowan, Kaylee, Tripp, JadeLee, Brooklyn, Billie Jean, & Stevan, KeiShawn, Azaria, Sincere, D’Ermias, Vizion. Great-Great Grandchildren; Grayson, Bella, Magdalene. Her dog Mia and Numerous extras that she watched grow up over the years. She leaves the world a very large legacy. 

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael Merrio Donofrio, brothers William, Donald (Maureen), Fred “Fritz”, and sisters Marylynn (Ed) Lee, Barbara Fowls, and Sandra Saba, as well as her beloved dog, Murphy Lee.

A proud graduate of Sylvania Burnham High School, Sandra was known not only for her robust personality but also for her fondness for coffee, skittles, and computer games. She delighted in watching her favorite westerns and binge watching her Korean soap operas. Her passion for crocheting and journaling highlighted her creative spirit. Sandra treasured her conversations with her best friends, Julie Perdue and Regina Oestreich.

Sandra leaves behind a remarkable legacy filled with love, laughter, and countless memories, reminding all who knew her of the importance of family, friendship, and living life to its fullest. Her warmth, vibrancy, and boisterous character will be profoundly missed by her family and many friends.

Services in honor of Sandra McGowan will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, Northwest Toledo, located at 4150 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, Ohio. Visitation will take place on February 23, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Donations may be made to the family for their choice of charities.