Diana L MCGowin's Obituary
Diana L. McGowin was born to Curtis and Geneva Friel in Dayton, Ohio on May 1st, 1937. She married Oscar W. Wyrick, Sr, in 1955 and divorced in 1964. In 1967 she married John L. McGowin in Orlando, Florida. She enjoyed a lengthy career as a legal secretary and during the 1970s was one of the first recognized Legal Assistants in Florida. She authored an internationally best-selling book on Alzheimer’s Disease ‘Living in The Labyrinth’ after being mistakenly diagnosed and used her experience to begin the first patient support group for early onset patients and support for younger patients affected. In 1999 a Hollywood film was made – ‘Forget Me Never’ – starring Mia Farrow and Martin Sheen which was based on Diana’s life & advocacy for patients. She and her husband retired to Eustis in 1998 with the correction of her medical diagnosis, where she enjoyed a private, blessed life with her unlimited love of animals and flowers. She was a member of Lutheran Church, ELCA.
Diana was predeceased by her parents Curtis and Geneva Friel, her son Oscar W. Wyrick, Jr., and her brother Charles C. Friel (and his wife Peggy).
Surviving is her husband John L. McGowin and son Spencer W. McGowin of Eustis, Florida, and daughter Amy Lynn Wyrick Jones (and her husband Steve) of Crestwood, Kentucky; four grandsons: Jereme Wyrick, Steven Wyrick, Steven Jones, and Jonathan Jones; and currently five great grandchildren.
A service will be held Friday October 27, 2023 at 11 AM at Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral home with a visitation of family and friends prior starting at 10:30 AM. She will be laid to rest at Lakeside Memory Gardens immediately following the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Diana?
What’s a lesson you learned from Diana?
Share a story where Diana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Diana you’ll never forget.
How did Diana make you smile?