Lorraine Dowden

1936 - 2021

Lorraine Montrel Dowden passed away Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the age of 85 years. She was born February 7, 1936 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Henry William and Sarah Deborah (Thibodeau) Montrel. Lorraine stayed in New Orleans until 1959, when she moved to Chicago.

Dignified and regal, Lorraine oozed a certain level of charm and grace that can't be taught, imitated, or replicated. It can only come from a rock-solid character and a level of strength and fortitude that could move mountains. 

Due to some health issues, Lorraine wasn’t supposed to make it past 12 years old without some risky and dangerous heart surgery, on which she and her parents passed. It was inferred that due to her heart condition that Lorraine would remain uneducated (due to missing a large amount of school) and likely to remain a housewife. Persistent and dedicated, Lorraine completed her academic pursuits and went on to establish a career in the legal field, retiring from Chicago’s Sidley Austin law firm after over 25 years of dedicated service. After retirement, although she’d hate the cliché, Lorraine took up gardening and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends while shopping at Macy’s, Marshall Fields, and anywhere she could get a good deal. Many people would be shocked to hear about how funny Lorraine was beneath her generally reserved exterior.  She had a wicked and sharp sense of humor and loved to tease, but even as she was actively teasing her family, she was always in our corner, fiercely rooting for us and cheering us on. 

A point of great pride to Lorraine would always be her family. Always dedicated and loyal in her efforts to keep everyone supported, Lorraine was the best person to have on your side. She married her grade school sweetheart Charles I. Dowden in December 1957 and they remained married for 57 years until his passing in 2015. Together, they would have 3 children, Charmaine Lorraine, Miyoshi Deborah, and Charles Isaac Jr. Lorraine’s family would grow to include 6 grandchildren, Candice (Yashua) Muhammad, Andre Dowden, Jasmine Dowden, Charles Isaac Dowden III, Corey (Dora) Dowden Sr., and Pierre Dowden. She would lovingly welcome additionally 3 great- grandchildren: Gabriel, Isis, and Corey Jr., and one brand new great-great grandchild. Additionally, she leaves behind her sister Margaret (John) Davis of Diamond Bar, CA, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Henry William and Sarah Deborah (Thibodeau) Montrel, husband Charles I. Dowden, Sr., son Charles I. Dowden, Jr., daughter Charmaine L. Dowden, and brother Daniel W. Montrel, Sr. 

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430 from 6pm-8pm.  Interment will be privately held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL .