Obituary of Kathleen Louise McDowell
Kathleen (Kay) McDowell, beloved wife of, the late Kevin McDowell of Calgary, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 93 years.
Kay was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 3, 1927.
Kay graduated from Kelvin High School in 1945.
She moved to Calgary in 1953 to pursue a career with Trans-Canada Airlines. Shortly thereafter she met her future husband. Kevin and Kay married in January of 1954 and welcomed their first child, Richard in September of the same year.
With baby in tow their travels began. From Stettler Alberta they were off to Oklahoma to finish Kevin’s Petroleum Engineering degree. Next came the around-the-world tour that took place from 1957 to 1978. Highlights of the tour were living in Indonesia from 1957-1960, Edmonton from 1960-1970, Calgary 1970-1974, Scotland 1974-1975, and Australia 1975-1978. In 1978 the tour wrapped up and Kay & family settled in the Calgary area to put down roots. Along their travels another passenger arrived on the scene. Michael was welcomed into the family in January of 1961 while Kay and Kevin were living in Edmonton.
After her brief career with the airlines she became a full-time mother and worked or volunteered whenever she was needed. Kay worked with the AMA in Edmonton, then drove school bus in her old AMC Rambler wagon with a make-shift “School Bus” sign attached to the roof. In Australia Kay worked at the tuck shop of Michael’s high school just to help out and keep an eye on her mischievous son.
Volunteering and enjoying the great outdoors kept Kay busy into her final years. Kay volunteered with various organizations such as Meals on Wheels, 1988 Olympics, and the Calgary Library. She often shared her passion for literature by reading to her grandchildren and their class mates at Buchanan Elementary as well as the children of the Prince of Peace elementary school.
Kay’s greatest passion was for life it-self and her family. She loved Jazz and Classical music, and always had CBC or CKUA on the radio. She was an avid supporter of the performing arts but DJD and OYR always held a very special place in her heart. As a devoted patron of the Calgary Public Library it would make sense that she frequently got together with her friends in the book club. And we must not forget the ritualistic 5 pm glass of Scotch!
Kay loved any activities that she could do outside, some of her favourites included bike riding, walking by the river, a good game of golf, cross-country skiing, and swimming. She was also a member of a hiking club. She especially loved getting out on the water in her canoe and / or kayak whenever possible.
Kay’s favourite book and movie was Lawrence of Arabia. That book was so big a special stand had to be made so she could read it at night before she went to bed.
She will be most remembered for her wonderful stories about her adventures and exploring where-ever she was in the world. Also, for her generosity and willingness to help anyone in need. She had an amazing heart and a spirt that was contagious. She was an incredible woman and mother, who loved and cared for her family and friends. She was also and amazing cook and hostess.
Kathleen is survived by her Son Michael McDowell and daughter in-law Kaycee McDowell, daughter in-law Zaide Gutierrez, grandchildren Jacalyn and Kelly McDowell. Niece Barb Schandor and husband Dave and their daughter Hayley. Nephews Don Webb and Jon Webb (Elizabeth).
Kathleen was predeceased by spouse Kevin in 2001, son Richard in 2014. Father, Arthur Webb in 1970, Mother, Wilhelmina in 1978, Brother Patrick in 1993 and his wife Lorraine in 2019.
At the request of the family there is no public service planned.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary at www.canadahelps.org