SACO — Mary Catherine McGowan, 56, of Saco, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at her residence.

She was born in Portland on Aug. 7, 1957, the daughter of Horace and Theresa (McDonald) McGowan.

Mary graduated from Camden-Rockport High School, Class of 1975. She also graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Mary taught in the Wytopitlock, Cornish, Baldwin and South Hiram school systems. Most recently, she was employed for the past 12 years at Toddle Inn Day Care in Scarborough. Mary helped mould the foundation of many young minds. She had a special gift to light up children’s lives.

Mary enjoyed cooking, gardening and going to the beach. Most of all, she enjoyed her family and her students, known to many as “her children.”

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her sister, Angela; and her brothers, Harold, William and Timothy.

She is survived by: her companion, Patrick Pistopo; her brothers, John, Robert and Peter McGowan; her sisters, Rosanne Upton, Joanne Poland, Patricia McGowan, Lynda Larner and Katie Devries; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of love will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 at the Children’s Chapel in Rockport. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those who wish to remember Mary in a special way may make donations in her name to the education field of their choice. To sign the guest book or leave condolences to the family, visit www.cotefuneralhome.com.