Helen Vance Gowan of Venice, Fla. passed away peacefully at Tidewell Hospice in Venice, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. She was born June 4, 1923 in Moberly, Mo.

She married Leslie Gowan in 1979 and moved to New Orleans, La.

Upon his retirement in 1987, they moved to Venice. She is survived by her husband, Leslie; two children, James R. Vance and Carole Vance-Pierce; five step children: Dennis Gowan, Jeffrey Gown, Danny Gowan, Cheryl Fox and Beverly Kramer.

Services: A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 at the First Christian Church of Venice, 1100 Center Rd..

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 220 Wexford Blvd., Venice FL 34293.