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1932 - 2015

BORN

1932

DIED

2015

Joyce McDowell Obituary

Joyce Daley McDowell, resident of Anchorage and Sterling, Alaska, lost her battle with ovarian cancer and has died in Anchorage. She was 83. Devoted to her religious studies, she lived as a Christian and is now at home with the Lord. Joyce was born to Clarence and Alice Daley of rural Grafton, N.D., and was reared with their eight children on the family farm. After graduating from WCAS in Park River, N.D., she embarked on an adventure with a family friend going on a road trip to Alaska. In Anchorage, she met and married Sam McDowell and they reared five children. For more than 25 years Joyce and Sam hosted many gatherings, reunions and fishing trips for her extended family and many friends on the McDowell Family Compound on the Kenai River in Sterling. Joyce always said she knew 100 ways to cook salmon. Over the years Joyce traveled frequently, enjoyed interior decorating, repurposing furniture and antiques, many crafts and her sisters say she was a serious shopper. At the time of his death in 2013, Joyce and Sam had been married for 60 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sam McDowell; her son Sean, McDowell; her son-in-law, Tom Tuttle; four sisters, Clarice (Don) Sheets, Betty (Bob) Bangart, Beverly McCarty and Marlys Kebodeaux; three nieces; and two nephews. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Betty Tuttle of Anchorage; three sons, Dan (Colleen) McDowell of Wasilla, Alaska, Kevin (Stephanie) McDowell of Soldotna, Alaska, and Aaron McDowell of Sterling; grandchildren, Tobey Tuttle, Dionne Tuttle White, Torey Tuttle and Lindsay Tuttle Skrukrud; Sammie Lewis, Sean, Stevie Collins and Skylar McDowell; Amanda, Jessica and Matthew McDowell; Travis and Kaley McDowell; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Joyce is also survived by a special niece, Kristin Berquist of Washougal, Wash.; her sister, Pat (Bill) Holt of Rochester, Wash.; her sister, Wanda Petitclerc of Ketchum, Idaho; and her brother, John Daley of Anchorage. A celebration of Joyce's life will be held on the Kenai Peninsula next summer. Joyce's love, wisdom, friendship and her wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her. Condolences for the family may be sent to Betty Tuttle, 8020 Cox Drive, Anchorage, AK 99516, Memorials may be sent to the Ovarian Cancer Institute, 960 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30342, in memory of Joyce McDowell.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Nov. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce McDowell

26 Entries

Lorri (Haugan) Wright

December 8, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. Joyce was a neat lady. I enjoyed running into Joyce at Joann Fabrics where we were both buying things for some craft project on another. I loved hearing what she was working on and getting the latest updates about the Sheets family. I am sad that I won't get to run into her again. I imagine her, Clarice and my mom getting together for a visit in heaven.

John, Wanda, Joyce, Betty, Bill Holt, Pat and Denne Petitclerc--on the Daley Farm

December 8, 2015

Betty, Wanda, Pat & Joyce on the bridge in Mandt

December 8, 2015

Joyce & Sam in a Loupin patch

December 8, 2015

Nita Berquist

December 6, 2015

I have fond memories of the times we spent laughing, sharing stories, and praying. Joyce was a good friend to me for many years and we had family and interests together. One of these days we'll all find ourselves sharing again, but this time forever. God bless the family Joyce leaves here for the present.

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

Dear Aunt Joyce,
First of all, thank you for periodically calling me and checking on my family over many years, it showed me that you cared. I treasure our times of sharing delicious recipes-you could make salmon taste so good, all the ideas about how to redo floors, make concrete countertops, and so many other creative ideas. It was all so interesting to me. You are an amazing artist; I treasure a picture hanging in my kitchen that you meticulously painted and gave to me several years ago.
After my mom and then my dad went to be with Jesus in their 40's, you were the aunt, along with Uncle Sam, who lived in Anchorage and the ones we called for advice about raising my siblings. You always encouraged us. Thank you for going above and beyond and taking in my sister Karina so she could stay in Alaska.
You, along with my other aunts and uncle, have always been very kind to me.
Thank you for the long talks during our trip together in January; I treasure those memories. During that trip, I enjoyed hearing about the gifts and abilities of your children and grandchildren. I heard you praying for each one throughout the night, talking to Jesus. When faced with the tumor the doctor saw, I knew you were very upset, but I also remember when you said you were not afraid to die and that you had a peace no matter what the future held.
I am so glad that you are in heaven with Jesus where there is JOY unlike what we have ever known. It must be wonderful to be with all your loved ones who made the trip before you.
I miss you dearly and cannot think of you yet without crying but I am comforted that I will see you again some day in our permanent home where there are no tears.
Love you always,
Kristin

Joyce with sister Pat

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

Joyce at Multnomah Falls January 2015

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

Joyce 2015 January

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

Joyce with niece Tracy

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

Joyce with niece Tracy

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

selfie with Joyce and niece Kristin

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

selfie with Joyce and niece Kristin

Kristin Berquist

December 6, 2015

Tim Godfrey

November 29, 2015

My condolences to family. I remember the wonderful salmon grilled dinners fr fishing on the Kenai in the 1960's. Sam & Joyce were such good friends with my folks Frank & Ruth Godfrey. Tim Godfrey / Portland OR

Edith

November 29, 2015

Sincere condolence to the Mcdowell family,and please find comfort in Gods promise ftd at 1cor15:26

Wanda Petitclerc

November 26, 2015

Joyce was a fantastic big sister and person and a truly fun traveling companion. We shared so many good times starting as children on the farm in North Dakota and continuing throughout our lives. Her wonderful sense of humor always kept us laughing.
I will always miss her and will I will love you forever, Joyce.

Tiger Gish

November 26, 2015

Sorry for your loss.

Janet Daley

November 26, 2015

I feel very blessed that I was able to visit with Joyce the day before she went home to her Lord. I have a lot of fond memories of Joyce and was glad to be her sister-in-law. Will miss our visits.

Pat and Bill Holt

November 26, 2015

Joyce was such an amazing and loving sister and was always a positive influence on all of our lives. I was always envious of her many skills and she was absolutely the best cook. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful memories of our childhood and, then, as adults, having the privilege of spending time together. God bless her memory. We love you, Joyce

Becky Buben

November 25, 2015

All my love and prayers for all of you.

Pat Rutledge

November 25, 2015

My most sincere sympathy and love to all the family. Your Mom and I shared some precious times in 2014 when I visited her. She was a big influence in my spiritual walk.
With love, Pat

Joyce McDowell

November 25, 2015

With all my love for my sister. Wanda

November 25, 2015

So many great memories shared with you. I will miss you forever, my beloved sister. I love you.

Eric Carlson

November 25, 2015

Great woman with a huge heart and will be dearly missed.

Stephanie McDowell

November 25, 2015

We miss you every single day.

Matthew M.