Armour Jean Gowins

Dear Friends and Family, What can I say about our Jean (originally Gene) our Mom? For those of you that knew our Mom, she was simply the strongest woman that we have ever met. Her strength and endurance is simply more that can be placed into words and yet we live because of her strength. Mom, you were not perfect, and we are glad of that, because your imperfections let us know that we can overcome our own flaws and weaknesses to obtain your strength. We can only hope to possess the endurance, love and strength that she lived and shared with us all. Mom, you gave us the greatest inspiration through your endurance for your family and you are the center of this family, forever! Even when diagnosed with cancer in 2008, your strength and feistiness showed the doctors and the family that "Queen Gene" could stand her ground and would not go down easy. You defied the odds and survived longer than the medical staff predicted. You never lost your feistiness and your witty sense of humor. Dr. Ernster, your surgeon was amazed at you in every way.Even in the midst of great pain, you would still crack a joke or point out someone trying to "Get Over" with your keen insight of life. Your common sense and "Chicago Style"street smarts have saved us all in so many situations. As a result, the entire family cannot count or give you enough thanks. This infusion was so critical in all of us surviving over the years. From 79th and Cottage Grove, Halsted, and even the Westside of Chicago, you provided the "Mother Wit" that gave the sane and sensible foundation of this family. Mom, you did a great job! We survived. Amazing, if we didn't have much or if we had a little, you never changed, you were a consistent rock of love that we could count on and depend on. You gave us more than all of us could count and then you gave more. You worried about every one of us, even when we did not know that we were in the target of your heart. Of course, only a Mom like you could keep every family member in your heart in such a way. May we learn to be parents like that and keep it all together.We also thank you for the "Garage Sales". Could anyone on Earth be happier than you were, in the 12 years of intense shopping in the neighborhoods? You took items that seemed to be of no significance and converted them to treasures that you loved and others would pay money for. Who can forget the time you came home after 8 hours of shopping and could not stop smiling and how you spent a whole week cleaning every item. We would joke with one crazy word "Cleeeeeean".Mom, you are the ultimate homemaker, from your "Off the charts" cooking, to your specialized utensils for every cooking application, you converted the kitchen into an Oasis of delectable splendor, that Wanda and "Dink" are taking to the next level. The fashion and style that you decorated your home with is greatly seen in the class and charm that Tomeka displays in so many ways. For all these things we are encouraged because you touched all of our lives so greatly and instilled joy and fun of life in all of us.When we see the way that Dink, Jodi, Chaz, Marcel, Marcus and Juan socialize and impact people we can directly see the days when Gert, Gene, and Wanda enjoyed themselves with Hank and Uncle Bob and so many others, Mom, you created and cultivated a family that has had a good time and you were the good time.We are grateful for the over 70 years of love and strength you have given to us all and grateful you are in heaven preparing a place for the rest of us. We will continue to enjoy you by providing the same strength, endurance and immeasurable love to each other and the young ones that look to us for that same stability you and Grandma Gert gave to us. We owe that to you and we owe that to us…To be a family, and strengthen our family with love which was greatly given to us by you."I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you."(Philippians 1:3)Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909