Rae Ann (Hoyas) McGowan

June 27, 1951 marks the date of the glorious arrival of Rae Ann Hoyas to Raymond Sr. and Helen Hoyas (Nordquist) of Pawtucket, R.I. Rae Ann was the oldest of five siblings, Charles, Kathleen, Raymond Jr., and Elizabeth. Rae Ann the student, attended St. Teresa's, then Our Lady of Fatima, and then Katherine Gibbs. Rae Ann then diligently served in customer service for New England Telephone/NYNEX for nearly 30 years, until retirement. During her time there, she met William J McGowan Jr., whom would become her loving husband, establish a home in Cranston, R.I., and raised three children, William III, Thomas, and Daniel. Many hours were spent assisting her husband in the assembly of sports uniforms, in addition to the 9-5. Many, many more were spent in ice rinks, supporting her sons, as all three boys played organized hockey. Vacations and family time were invaluable. From Montreal, to New Hampshire, to Myrtle Beach, to Florida, and her absolute favorite, Walt Disney World. Along the way, Rae Ann became mother-in-law to Tom's wife, Stephanie, and a doting, loving grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren, Thomas Jr., Talen, Dryden, and Arianna, of which, she shared her love of Disney & treated them all to the experience.

Rae Ann, even in illness, continued to support the grandchildren by attending award ceremonies and hockey games, as their biggest fan. Her smile truly lit up a room and warmed those around her. We are fortunate to have had such a strong-willed woman as the head of our family, as she taught us invaluable lessons of perseverance and tenacity. Her memory will reside collectively in our hearts, and project far, to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Her funeral is Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. from "WOODLAWN’’ Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Ave. Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Matthew’s Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.  Visitation Monday 4-7 p.m. For full obituary please visit www.WoodlawnGattone.com

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