Helen McDowell

The McDowell family lost its matriarch, Helen Laird McDowell, on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. She passed quietly in her sleep after giving 95 years here. She had lived more in one lifetime than most could imagine living in five. She was the oldest of four children yet the last one left. Helen was married to William Ulysses McDowell with whom she had two kids of her own, Susan Charlotte and Gary William. She is also survived by four grandchildren: James, Stormie, Richard and Charlotte as well as three great-grandchildren: Ashton, Connor and Avery. She went to college during a time when women rarely got to attend college. She joined the Women's Army Corp and served as the secretary to the joint chiefs of staff during WWII. Her service in the Army earned her the Congressional Medal of Honor. Later, in her 60’s she served in the Peace Corp in the Philippines which she always spoke of as one of the most rewarding times in her life. Helen’s passions were shown in the form of her talents for painting, horseback riding, skiing and gardening; she could make anything grow and flourish. However, family was everything to her right up until her final day. Her family could not be more appreciative of the things she taught us or of the fact that she lived long enough for her great-grandchildren to get to know her. Amazing isn't a big enough word for describing this woman. Love isn't a big enough word to describe how we feel about her. Her memory will always be a strong and vibrant inspiration and her strength will be her legacy.