Sarah McGowan

Sarah “Sally” Alice McGowan (née Lynch)

Age 80

Sarah “Sally” Alice McGowan, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully in her Chicago home on September 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born in Chicago, Sally attended St. Symphorosa Grade School before her family moved to Glen Ellyn. She later graduated high school from Sacred Heart Academy in Lisle. After a distinguished career with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, she and her husband, Tom, opened McGowan’s Tap, a neighborhood gathering place they lovingly operated for many years until their retirement.

Sally’s passions ran deep and wide. A lifelong student of politics in both America and Ireland, she remained a steadfast advocate for the reunification of Ireland and an unwavering supporter of U.S. troops. Through McGowan’s Tap she organized countless care package drives that brought comfort to service members far from home. In her quieter moments, she found joy in her beautiful garden and in the company of animals—never meeting a dog she did not instantly love. Her love for animals led to her generously supporting countless animal welfare organizations over the years.

Those who knew her will forever remember her fierce loyalty, boundless kindness, incredible generosity, and genuinely warm spirit. Sally could walk into a room of strangers and leave with new friends, and her laugh would light up any room she entered. Her love lead an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Lynch Sr. and Helen Lynch; her husband, Thomas McGowan; her nephew and godson, Neil Cronin; and her nephew-in-law, Paul Reynolds. She is survived by her son, Michael Lynch (Nicole Castellano); her siblings Martha O’Reilly (Barney), Rosemary Sieben (Michael), Richard Lynch Jr., and Peggy Redmond (Thomas); her nieces Maureen Chiavola (Anthony), Mary Redmond, Elizabeth Reynolds (widow of the late Paul Reynolds), Theresa Muñoz, Annie Redmond, Kate Lynch, and Becca Baƫsta (Alan); as well as numerous cousins, extended family, and a wide circle of dear friends.

A Memorial Luncheon in celebration of Sally’s life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th Street, Oak Forest, Illinois. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony beside her beloved husband at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to PAWS Chicago in Sally’s memory.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options, Schiller Park, IL, 60176