Mildred L. McDowell
October 26, 1932 - June 20, 2015
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Mildred L. McDowell
October 26, 1932 - June 20, 2015
Obituary
Mildred McDowell passed away June 20 quietly in the loving presence of all her children.
Mildred grew up in southern California. She met her husband to be, Virgil, while visiting family in Redding, CA. They were childhood sweethearts and married when they were 17. It just so happened that Mildred’s cousin Barbara married Virgil’s brother Wesley. Mildred, Virgil, and the kids camped all over California, every year at Yosemite, and lots of other places.
After 20 years in California, Mildred moved to Ferndale, Washington in 1970 when the refinery needed a good man and transferred Virgil from LA to the new one at Cherry Point.
Mildred McDowell was a lot of things in her life, and some of them might surprise someone just getting to know her. For instance, she was a loving wife and mother of four, but she also had a great sense of adventure. Mildred could be seen hot-rodding around town in a souped-up, jacked up four by four Jeep. She learned how to fly a plane and successfully soloed a Cessna 150 at age 42. And, when her husband didn’t want to go on a trip back east or to Hawaii, she traveled on her own just fine.
Mildred gave back to her community by helping the Moose club prepare meals for the less fortunate through Maple Alley Inn. She and Virgil volunteered with Search and Rescue, the 4×4 club and The Firemen’s Auxiliary.
Her garden showed her love of flowers, which included lining the driveway with beautiful blossoms.
When she retired as an operator from the phone company, they retired her connector too, the old style plug that was used to join calls, and gave it to her. She kept it on a key chain for many years, and later in her sewing things. She also worked at Pynor’s Market which is now called Greene’s Corner, and at the Parkade.
Mildred’s kid’s remember how hard she worked, never complaining, and how she would do without so they would be spoiled. She repeated this pattern with her grandkids. She loved her family fiercely, intensely, and they love her back. It was easy to see how much she loved them by the look on her face when one of them walked in the room. She will be missed.
7 responses to Mildred L. McDowell
Pam Sellers says:
June 20, 2015
Mildred,You were a very loving person and heck of a card player! You will be missed!
Lanell McDowell Wren says:
June 20, 2015
I will miss you, I felt so much love from you as my Aunt. As a child I loved watching you parent, you were good at it. Your kids were bless to have you as their mom. Love you
Burt & Lois Holmes says:
June 20, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Burt & I just got back from Canada & while we were sitting around the campfire we were remembering some of our camping trips with your Mom & Dad. They now are together again.
Kevin Conway says:
June 20, 2015
I happened across the Ferndale fire hall sign while driving home the other day. I spent a lot of wonderful days with my brother at the McDowell home in Ferndale, playing with their grandson Michael, and getting rides on motorcycles from Virgil. Those were great times and wonderful memories. Mildred was always there for us, usually with something to eat and a kind word. She used to tell me that her car couldn’t be shifted out of park until we all had our seatbelts on. To this day, whenever I drive somewhere, I still think of that sentiment. Virgil and Mildred were always a great pair, and though it is a sad loss that she is no longer with us, I find some measure of joy in knowing that they are together again. My condolences to the family of Mildred, she will always be remembered as a kind and loving lady.
Jim & Kim Williams says:
June 20, 2015
Mom’s are the family foundation and Mildred built a solid loving family. She will be greatly missed but lovingly remembered.