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Florence McDow Obituary
DURHAM, N.C. - Florence Taylor McDow died peacefully on Sunday, March 4, 2012, surrounded by her parents and grandparents. She was six years old, the daughter of Will and Leslie McDow. Her sister, Laura Mishler McDow was her best friend.
Florence was born in Durham, N.C., baptized at First Presbyterian Church, lived in Trinity Park and attended Watts Elementary School. She loved the children, families and pets in her neighborhood. Her short life was filled with much joy and love and she demonstrated a capacity for loving others--and for receiving love--that far exceeded her age.
Florence spent some of her happiest moments at Pawley's Island, S.C.; Smith Mountain Lake, Va.; and the mountains of Western North Carolina. Her favorite color was purple and she took great delight in the adventures of Curious George and Madeline.
Florence developed an exceptionally close relationship with her four grandparents: Clarkson and Mary Ann McDow of Rock Hill, S.C., and Jim and Diane Goff of Smith Mountain Lake, Va.
Florence's four-year battle against a rare auto-immune disease was an inspiration to all who knew her. She underwent two bone marrow transplants and endured several extended hospital stays with an indomitable spirit. Her infectious smile won the hearts of her caretakers every time.
One of her last acts was to address Valentines with her mother and deliver them with her grandfather to the other children in the Pediatric Bone Marrow Clinic floor.
She and her family are indebted to the love, care and support they received from their friends and family, the community of First Presbyterian Church and the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Duke University, among many others. A child of the internet-age, Florence's network of well-wishers stretched around the globe.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 7, at 4 p.m. from First Presbyterian Church, 305 East Main Street, Durham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Duke Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit's Family Support Program. Checks should be made out to Duke University with "In Memory of Florence McDow" in the memo line and mailed to Family Support Program, Duke University Medical Center, 1400 Morreene Rd., Durham, NC 27705.
The McDow family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham.
Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com (select obituaries)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Florence McDow
March 10, 2012
Clarkson and family,
Cuqui and I were deeply saddened by the news about Florence which we heard last night. We extend our deepest sympathies and continue to keep Florence and the McDow family in our prayers -
George and Cuqui Consuegra
Lara Katz
March 8, 2012
All of us at NCTRC are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Dave & Lou Giles
March 8, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Moore
March 8, 2012
Clarkson and family, my words are not adequate to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Florence was an inspiration to you; she brought happiness, love and joy to those who knew her. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time.
Ally Brooke Goff
March 8, 2012
So beautifully written. Florence Taylor has touched so many of our hearts and I have no doubt that she will continue to do so from up above. Sending lots of love, strength and hugs to everyone from Arlington. - Ally Goff
Candi Diehl Chinn
March 7, 2012
Florence- I never met you either, but feel I knew you from your family's wonderful entries on Caring Bridge. Every time I visited the site, you helped remind me what was important in life and to be thankful. That is a remarkable gift to everyone from a 6 year old little girl. I know your family will miss you terribly, but are comforted that you are now pain free and can run and play as you wish. May God bless you and I send a big hug to your mommy. Love, Candi
Debi Martin
March 7, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. All our Love, Debi Martin and Clint Switzer (The Bedford House)
March 7, 2012
Florence,
I didn't know you, but I could somewhat relate to your fight! I know your mother and know that you will be missed! I know you are in a safe place. I truly believe that only the good die young. Please look out for your family and friends from above and know they loved you and miss you!
Addison Dodd
Jim & Sue Ford
March 7, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a firecracker. According to some of the stories her Grandfather would tell us, she was. We hope it brings you some peace that she is walking without pain with her Lord.
Margie Muenzer
March 7, 2012
Those of us at the North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center who knew Florence will never forget her amazing spirit and enthusiasm. We hold visual memories of Florence hurrying down the path to the arena to get to Nora, the horse she rode and loved,as quickly as possible to give her one of many hugs. We are grateful that through the year and a half that we knew Florence, Nora was able to provide so much joy to her. All of us at NCTRC extend our heartfelt condolences to Leslie, Will and Laura Mish. From Margie Muenzer on behalf of NCTRC.
Laura Peabody
March 7, 2012
My heart breaks for your family, but I know now Florence is in a better place, with God, and in no pain. I wish I could've had the opportunity to meet her, she sounds like such a very special, precious child. ~Peace for the family, with love
March 7, 2012
FLORENCE...LIFE WAS SHORT..BUT WILL HAVE A LONG LIFE IN HEAVEN AS AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER THE FAMILY.....
March 6, 2012
Florence was a sweet little girl who endured so much. I pray for the family. God Bless you all!
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