Obit: City of Hamilton building coordinator Rosemary MacGowan was known as ‘Mrs. City Hall’

The corridors of Hamilton Metropolis Corridor are a little bit empty as of late after the passing of Rosemary MacGowan.

MacGowan, who died of most cancers on Jan. 7 at age 65, was the longtime constructing upkeep co-ordinator at metropolis corridor. She made certain the goings-on and occasions, inside and outdoors metropolis corridor, had been correctly resourced and ran easily.

She was affectionately referred to as Rosie and garnered the nickname “Mrs. Metropolis Corridor.” She began as a cleaner in 1991.

“When it got here to issues of metropolis corridor, I together with many others knew Rosie was the one in cost,” mentioned Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “With a sparkle in her eyes and an all-knowing gaze, Rosie’s welcoming vitality, mischievous disposition and magnetic persona made her presence felt like no different.”

He recalled a time when life-size standup cut-outs of him and former metropolis supervisor Chris Murray had been made to garner suggestions from metropolis workers. The mayor mentioned MacGowan positioned them in his workplace washroom in the future.

“It scared the residing daylights out of me,” he mentioned. “Rosie roared with laughter.”

Hamilton East-Stoney Creek Liberal MP and former Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins referred to as MacGowan fantastic.

“She took super pleasure in her work; at all times involved about operations inside and outdoors of the constructing,” he mentioned. “From film shoots to political protests, Rosie was at all times busy co-ordinating occasions and troubleshooting points as they arose.”

Former mayor Larry Di Ianni mentioned nobody exemplified the willingness to work onerous whereas having fun with her job like MacGowan.

“My finest recollections needed to do with group occasions that we frequently hosted at metropolis corridor,” he mentioned. “Rose was at all times there to verify issues would run easily. Displaying pleasure in her and her colleagues’ work was a trademark. ‘We delivered right this moment, Mayor,’ she would inform me, not a lot on the lookout for a pat on the again however desirous to guarantee that good work was acknowledged.”

MacGowan was additionally energetic in CUPE Native 5167, which represents inside and outdoors staff on the metropolis. She served as fourth vice-president, sergeant-at-arms and as a steward.

She organized the Labour Day barbecue, participation within the Santa Claus Parade, and pancake breakfasts with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. She organized fundraisers for the United Method and, at Christmas, would gather for Hamilton Meals Share.

“She was the guts of 5167,” mentioned native govt administrator Jodi Coville. “Everybody referred to as her Mrs. Metropolis Corridor as a result of she greeted everybody after they walked into the constructing. She was one of many kindest, most beneficiant individuals I do know.”

MacGowan’s household has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of help they've obtained since her demise. Her daughter Tammy Ferrell-Evelyn mentioned individuals additionally confirmed their love for her mom final Might after she returned to her east Hamilton dwelling following mind surgical procedure, and a whole bunch drove by to honk and wave at her as she sat out entrance in a wheelchair.

“I don’t even assume there’s a phrase we are able to say to understand how a lot everybody has completed,” mentioned Ferrell-Evelyn, who works at Zarky’s Wonderful Meals on the east Mountain.

Coville final noticed her good friend earlier than Christmas. “Even when she was within the battle of her life, she at all times had a smile,” she mentioned. “We joked rather a lot. She was simply a lot enjoyable. You’d ask, ‘How are you feeling?’ She’d say, ‘With my fingers.’”

MacGowan was born Dec. 7, 1956, to Michael and Margaret Shea. Her father labored at auto elements agency Allen Industries, which closed in 1984, and her mom labored at a seniors’ dwelling. She graduated from Westdale Secondary Faculty and went to work at Allen. She additionally labored as a crossing guard, lunch supervisor, and on the Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys and Ladies Membership.

“She was numerous enjoyable,” mentioned her husband Dave, who works at Del Home windows and Doorways in Stoney Creek. “She would assist anyone.”

Ward 6 Coun. Tom Jackson mentioned MacGowan cared about her metropolis, group and colleagues. He mentioned she had a robust work ethic, irresistible smile and a depraved sense of humour.

MacGowan is survived by husband Dave, son Jeff, daughters Tammy and Jody, and 5 grandchildren. A life celebration is ready for Jan. 29, 3 p.m. at Columbus Membership Catering, 222 Queenston Street. Proof of vaccination is required.