Sharon Lynn McGowan, age 76 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. She was born December 20, 1941; the daughter of the late Frederick and Elaine Ebell.

Sharon had worked as a bookkeeper/payroll at Schreiber Foods and as head of housekeeping at the Edgewater Hotel in California. She loved arts & crafts, knitting, making jewelry and painting, even winning an award for one of her paintings. She also enjoyed gardening and dancing. She was an avid bingo and pool player and was very skilled at both. Sharon belonged to a card group at Presence St. Joseph that met to play cards every day, which she truly enjoyed.

She is survived by her children, Theresa (James Downing) Harhen, James Simpson Jr., Frederick (Loraine) Simpson, and Summer McGowan; 26 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Sue Simpson; and son-in-law, August Mayer. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jason Simpson; daughters, Spring Simpson Martin and Dawn Mayer; and great granddaughter, Victoria Chellis.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family service will be held at a later date.