Judith Marie Gowan Meis, loving mom

OLEAN — Judith Marie Gowan Meis, 86, of Olean, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, at Olean General Hospital, with loving family by her side.

Born in Olean on March 8, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Junior and Loretta Hoffmier Gowan. On Oct. 20, 1962, she married James Harold Meis, who predeceased her.

Judy attended Olean High School. She went on to work in housekeeping at the Olean Nursing Home, which is now The Pines.

A music lover and a life-long audiophile, an enthusiast dedicated to high-fidelity sound reproduction. She also enjoyed word puzzles, eating out and loved watching birds.

Judy is survived by her children, Ronald James Meis and Susan Marie Meis Pollauf; her grandsons, Alan Ronald Meis and Corey Eugene Pollauf; her sisters, Susan Gowan O’Brien and Rita Gowan Blehar; and her brothers, Ed Gowan and Bill Gowan.

She was predeceased by her husband, James Harold Meis; her parents, Junior and Loretta; her sisters, Winnie Barber and Margaret Cameron; her brothers, Thomas, Harry, Howard and Richard Gowan; and her life partner, Harold Shortell.

Friends are invited to a graveside service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (May 20, 2026) at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.