Muriel Jane Mcgowan

Muriel Jane McGowan, 98, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at the Grand Traverse Pavilions on June 5, 2023.

Muriel was born on August 30, 1924 in Fife Lake to the late Stanley and Pearl Mae (Beaver) LaBar.

Muriel was quite the athlete and excelled on the basketball court. She and her sister enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Pistons.

Muriel worked for General Motors in the photo and printing department. She also worked at Interlochen Center For the Arts as a cook. She loved being surrounded by musical talents as she herself had an incredible voice and sang opera. She was never one to brag though, so most didn't even know about her beautiful voice.

Muriel loved to help others. She loved to take cookies everywhere she went and in later years she always passed out Little Debbies. She was truly loved by all.

She also enjoyed fellowship at First Congregational Church and was involved with the Eagles and Rebekkah.

Muriel will be remembered for many things. One of her greatest accomplishments was to help start meals on wheels. She also will be remembered as someone who was incredibly thankful. She will be so greatly missed, but her memory will live on in all those lives she touched.

Muriel was preceded in death by her parents, husband James and brothers Merwin and Victor.

Muriel is survived by her son Terry McGowan; daughter Belinda Fryer; grandchildren Joshua (Jennifer), Jessica (Thomas) David and Zach Fryer; seven great grandchildren; siblings Sharley Buchner and Duane LaBar; and many extended family members and friends.

Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all of the staff at the Pavilions for their outstanding love and care.