Obituary of Velma Jean McDowell

McDowell, Velma Jean May 19, 1927 – RM of Edward, Manitoba March 9, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Velma Jean McDowell. She passed away peacefully on Mar 9, 2016 in the early morning at the Southwood Hospice. In her final days, she was surrounded by family and great friends. Val was born to Jean and George Anderson on the family farm at Pierson , Manitoba. She was the youngest, cutest, smartest, and wildest (her words) of four children. On July 14, 1948 Val married the love of her life, Robert Thomas (Tom) McDowell. They settled in Estevan, where they lived for 50 years and raised three children.. While in Estevan, Val worked at the Estevan Regional Nursing Home until she retired. After retirement, she found she missed socializing so much, she took a job as a Walmart greeter and continued to volunteer throughout her life. In 2004, they moved to Calgary to be closer to their family. Music was a huge part of Val’s life. At the early age of 7, she learned to play the piano by ear and continued with her love of music for the next 81 years. She played the piano, accordion, and organ with great talent and enthusiasm, entertaining with her father, who played the fiddle, as well as, many other musicians and bands for her entire life. She was the organist for the Legion and the Elks while in Estevan. Val continued to pursue her love of music and played regularly with various bands after the move to Calgary. Family gatherings, visiting with friends, sitting around a campfire, and travelling were some of her favourite pastimes. All usually included Arbour Mist and some tunes on the keyboard. When she wasn’t playing music she was busy making crafts. She always had something on the go and enjoyed participating in numerous craft sales. Friends and family all have some of her creations. Val is survived by her husband Tom; her children, Heather (Mel) Hagel of Calgary, Rick (Linda) McDowell of Calgary, and Terry (Carlie) McDowell of Cochrane; her grandchildren, Pam (Tyler) Bungay, Jamie (Nichole) McDowell, Nathan (Toree) Hagel, Steven (Christine) McDowell, Samantha McDowell, and Adam McDowell; her great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Ashley, Sevee, Rhys, Tanner, Tate, Zachary, Bentley, and Emmett; and her sister Edna Roblin. Val was predeceased by her parents, George and Jean Anderson, her sister Annie Wheelans, and brother Ken Anderson, her brothers-in-law Jim Wheelans and Claire Roblin, and sister-in-law Allison Anderson. The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at the Rockyview General Hospital, Unit 73, and the Southwood Hospice for making her final days comfortable. A Celebration of Val’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 2:00p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Val McDowell , a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.