Paula Nyhart Gowen

Paula Nyhart Gowen, 82, of West Chester, PA passed away on March 15, 2024.

Born in September 1941, in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late John Paul and Mary Gertrude (née Moran) Nyhart. 

Paula was known for her kindness, charm, wit and devotion to family. All who knew her will remember her genuine and infectious laugh.

She attended West Catholic, Lansdale Catholic and Gwynedd Mercy College before graduating from Chestnut Hill College in 1963. At Chestnut Hill, Paula made life-long friendships through which she met her beloved husband of over 56 years, George.

Paula worked as a high school English teacher before leaving to raise her family. After her children started school, Paula began working with the Republican Party of Chester County. Over the course of 30 years, Paula held a number of volunteer and elected positions, including delegate to the National Republican Convention, Vice Chairman of the Chester County Republican Party and Thornbury Township Supervisor. Her career culminated in being elected the first female Register of Wills for Chester County.

She enjoyed summers in Stone Harbor, volunteer work, reading, spending time with her family and any opportunity to laugh. She was an avid fan of crossword puzzles and did them every day almost until the end. Paula was a die-hard Phillies fan. She remembered watching the Phils win the 1980 World Series in person as the greatest day of her life (in a life full of great days).  She couldn’t hold a tune, but she sure liked to sing. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, to whom she was devoted.

Paula was the beloved wife of  George Gowen Jr.; loving mother of Ellen Brophy (Stephen), George Gowen III (Gayle) and Anthony Gowen (Shanna); proud grandmother of  Gabriel, Laura and Thomas Gowen and William and Megan Brophy. Also survived by many devoted nieces and nephews. Her brother, Peter Nyhart, predeceased her. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing 9:30-11:00 AM Friday, March 22, 2024 and to her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Rd., West Chester, PA. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Chestnut Hill College, 9601 Germantown Ave, Phila, PA 19118.