Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Dowe

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Dowe

Betty Ann Dowe, née Faubion, died on Aug. 29, 2015 in the arms of her daughter, Leslie Dowe Twitchell. She was born on March 25, 1922 in Manhattan Kansas, to Clyde and Ruth Faubion. Her brother, Bill, was born two years later completing the family. Betty Ann graduated from Kansas State in 1943 with a degree in nutrition and as a proud member of Pi Beta Phi. During her senior year she went on a blind date with a handsome young man, Thomas W. Dowe, from Texas, who would become her husband one week after graduating from college. While he served in the 9th Armored Division during WWII, she lived with her parents.

Following the war, Betty Ann and Tom lived in South Dakota and Nebraska, where she had a cooking show for Nebraska Dairy Council and also ran the cafeteria at University of Nebraska. They moved to Vermont in 1957, and while Tom worked at UVM, Betty Ann was busy raising their children Kelly, Tom Jr. and Leslie. In 1972 Tom's job took them to Bogota, Colombia where Betty Ann loved being able to practice her Spanish and was spoiled by having a live in maid and cook.

Betty Ann was a member of many organizations including Klifa Club, PEO, and was the president of the Women's Auxiliary (Mary Fletcher Hospital). She was also a founding member of the Dow Janes Investment Club. She worked for a time as banquet manager of the Ramada Inn and when Tom retired she got her real estate license and happily sold houses for 15 years.

Summers were one of her favorite times of the year. The family would move to their camp at Starr Farm Beach which she had proudly purchased in 1967. She loved to read her magazines in the shade with her 4 o'clock cocktail and asking, "¿Quien es?" as people walked by. Betty Ann also enjoyed traveling and spending time at their condo in Puerto Rico.

She was able to live independently until March 2015 when she moved to Ethan Allen Residences. She looked forward to meals with the girls at her table and visits from family and friends.

Betty Ann was predeceased by her parents, brother Bill, husband, Tom Sr. and son-in-law Ron Engelman. She is survived by her children, Kelly Dowe Engelman, Tom Dowe Jr., Leslie Dowe Twitchell, devoted son-in-law, Tom; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sara, Tom III, Anna and one great-grandchild, Zoey. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews in Kansas and Texas.

Thanks to Dr. Frank Landry, Maggie Holt, Ethan Allen Residences, VNA Hospice and friends, Carol Hinson and Bill Parkhill.

A gathering to celebrate Betty Ann's life will be held in late September. In lieu of flowers please donate to Ethan Allen Residences: 1200 North Ave., Burlington, VT 05408.

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