Obituary of Bertha McGowan

BERTHA YORKOWITZ MCGOWAN

Barbara “Bubbe” McGowan, 92, of Clifton Park—formerly of Medford, Long Island—beloved wife of George J. McGowan, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jennie Kessler Yorkowitz and was raised and educated in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

Barbara loved her family deeply. George was her rock—steadfast in his support and love for her every step of the way. Their devotion to each other is a testament to all who knew them. She adored her son, Robert, and her daughter, Laura. It would be impossible to count the number of times Bubbe told Laura—or anyone who would listen—how proud she was of her daughter, “the school teacher.” Bubbe also had other passions: she loved to sing and reminisce about her memories growing up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She delighted in entertaining anyone who would be an audience. She was charming, witty, funny, and adorable, maintaining her sense of humor right up until her last days with us.

“Bubbe,” the Yiddish word for grandmother, loved her grandchildren—Alexander, Demetri, and John—who were never far from her mind and always in her heart. She cherished attending their sporting events when they were younger and loved sharing stories from their childhood at every opportunity. They were a source of immense joy and pride.

Barbara’s infectious laughter and love will forever remain in our hearts. She was the beloved wife of George, devoted mother of Laura (Peter) Yerou, Howard (Carolyn) Goldstein, and the late Robert Taddeo, and cherished grandmother of John Taddeo, Alexander Yerou, and Demetri Yerou. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9 in Clifton Park, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from Noon to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. and interment at 2:30 p.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to The Community Hospice of Saratoga. It would be impossible to overstate how miraculous, loving, and supportive Hospice was in the final months of Bubbe’s life. Her family felt immense relief knowing that she was loved and cared for by everyone on the Hospice staff.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866, in memory of Bertha McGowan.

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