Lowry, Jeanette Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, was born on October 4. 1920 and passed away peacefully on May 17, 2007, after a long illness. She is survived by children, Ann (John Overton), Kathleen (Walter Teske), and Philip (Madeleine); and sisters-in-law, Hope Lowry and Maria Petermann. She is also survived by grandchildren, Amy Overton, Samuel Overton, Tillian Teske, Nicola Lowry, Weston Lowry, and William Lowry. Other family members include Lara Glaesman (Steve), and Lisbeth Overton, Tiffany Teske (Andre), Todd Teske, Troy Teske (Lisa), Katherine Tillotson (Bob Mackersie), and John Tillotson (Lisa Vahradian). The family will be forever grateful to the loving care provided by Priscilla and Steve Amberson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Lowry, granddaughter, Amanda Overton, and sister, Elizabeth Tillotson. Jeanette was born in Granite Falls, Minnesota, where she and her sister Elizabeth were raised by their devoted Aunt Minnie (Wilhelmina Kraemer), after tragically losing both parents by the age of five. Jeanette was inspired as a child by their next-door-neighbor, Dr. Nelson, to become a physician. She graduated from West High School and the University of Minnesota, and met her husband Paul while obtaining a masters degree in bacteriology from Harvard Medical School. Later, she attended the University of Minnesota Medical School, where she graduated first in her class. Jeanette was one of the first female residents to train in internal medicine at the University of Minnesota. After residency training, she and Paul started a family, and during this time she did research with Dr. Ancel Keyes, whose studies in physiology became ground-breaking. Jeanette later joined Paul to practice internal medicine together for many years, until her retirement from Lowry Medical Associates in 1992. Together they provided care for many patients in Minneapolis and Edina. Jeanette will be remembered for her zest for life and positive "can do" attitude, her lifelong love of learning, and her loving devotion to her family, friends, and patients. She was a strong supporter of many causes, ranging from the Democratic Party (where she once served as a neighborhood precinct captain) to refugee relief, to women's rights, environmental, and arts organizations. Although her last years were very difficult due to severe Parkinson's disease, she continued to scuba dive and cross country ski past the age of 70. She greatly enjoyed cooking for her friends and family, and was especially happy spending time at the family cabin in Canada. Jeanette was dearly loved, and will be deeply missed and always remembered. Memorials may be sent to the Struthers Parkinson's Center, 6201 Country Club Dr., Golden Valley, 55427, or Minnesota International Health Volunteers, 122 Franklin Ave W., Minneapolis, 55404. A service will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 2 pm at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S, Minneapolis.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
My mother (Mae Meixner) and I (Gloria Holm) were patients of Dr. Jeanette for many years. We both thought of her not only as a physician but also as a friend. I loved her telling of her trips. Both my mother and I were deva stated when she retired. She will be missed by many I know and I have many fond memories of her.
Gloria Holm
June 29, 2007 | Minneapolis, MN
Dear Jeanette,
I know you have been ailing for many, many months and I’ve thought about you with empathy often. I am familiar with Priscilla’s Place (and grateful for its existence!). In fact, a friend of yours from Priscilla’s Place used to come to see me periodically, and I always hoped she would remember to give you a big hug and “hello” from me.
I was very saddened to learn of your passing. For me it represents the end of an era. The type of medical setting into which...
Douglas Rachko
May 30, 2007 | Edina, MN
What a Woman, Mother, Doctor and Leader! Thanks everyone for sharing what you have. Never having met Jeanette, the only other ways I have of knowing her is from what Philip and Madeleine have shared and from seeing the results of how she raised Philip -- which is quite extraordinary. I'm glad her many gifts are living on through Philip and everyone else who she touched.
Terry Gips
May 22, 2007 | St. Louis Park, MN
That last entry was very well written - (the writer must have been on the Buzzette!)and I can't say much more. The Lowry household was always a joy to visit, and Jeanette and Paul always took a sincere interest in their guests of all ages. When I was in high school they were in the category of "cool parents" who treated us like adults.
Jeanette was so adventurous! I remember her flying off a snowmobile on the way to the cabin, and getting up , dusting the snow off, and jumping back...
Dennis Clegg
May 21, 2007 | Santa Barbara, CA
Ann and John,
Our heart goes out to you both and your family. What a gift Jeanette was to you and your children and our community.
Jim and Char Murphy
Charlene Berg Murphy
May 21, 2007 | Hopkins, MN
Dr. Lowry was the best physician I have ever had. She was an excellent listener and didn't always look at medications for healing, she knew there were other ways of healing that were much healthier for a person. I think she was the first Internist that recommended a chiropractor, and in the 50s and 60s Internists never would do that. I've yet to find a physician/internist that was as personal, kind and interested in her patient's well being as she was. God Rest her Soul.
bonnie hagfors
May 20, 2007
Jeanette Lowry would be high on any list of most intriguing characters -- a beautiful, accomplished woman who seemed comfortable scuba diving, skiing, or baking pecan rolls. I smile inwardly every time I remember a night when I arrived at the Lowry's house at 11 p.m. to finish up the high school newspaper. Jeanette was washing and waxing the kitchen floor! And she had a fresh tray of pecan rolls baking, for the next morning's breakfast! I have repeated this story to almost every woman I know...
Ellen Clegg
May 18, 2007 | Boston, MA
