Laurie Jean "Garrigan" McKowen

Laurie Jean Garrigan McKowen, age 56, of Salem, West Virginia, passed suddenly on Saturday, May 25, 2013 from UHC in Bridgeport. Ms. McKowen was born on June 29, 1956 in Washington, DC the daughter of Katherine "Kitty" Carroll Garrigan of Knoxville, TN and the late Daniel Paul Garrigan. She studied and practiced law for over 30 years, currently was a professor at Salem University where she taught law and was the Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program. She wrote "The Law of Medical Malpractice in West Virginia" , obtained her Master's Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, was working on a Doctorate degree at the time of her death, was appointed to Salem City Council in September 2012, and was currently seeking an elected seat on the City Council. She also attended the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salem.
She is survived by 3 sons; James Andrew McKowen of Atlanta, GA, Ryan Daniel McKowen of Charleston, WV, and Patrick Sean McKowen of Morgantown, WV; 2 sisters and brother-in-law; Nora and Dan Gainer of Knoxville, TN, Holly Garrigan; 3 brothers and sisters-in-laws; Tom and Beth Garrigan of Great Falls, VA, Dan and Sonja Garrigan of Knoxville, TN, and Jim and Gena Garrigan of Knoxville, TN; several nieces and nephews also survive. Family and friends may call at the Greathouse funeral home on Friday, May 31, 2013 from 2-8pm with a Vigil Service at 7:30pm.
Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 11AM at Sacred Heart in Salem with Rev. Father Alfred Obiudu as Celebrant. Reception immediately following service at Salem University.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greathousefuneralhomeWV.com Greathouse funeral home of Salem is honored to be serving the McKowen Family with arrangements.