Elva Jean McDowell

Elva Jean McDowell November 24, 1918 ~ April 2, 2011 Jean McDowell died Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the age of 92. Jean loved her family and had a zest for life. She had many friends and always had a wonderful smile for everyone she encountered. Jean was born on November 24, 1918, to Ruth and William Nogal Nimon in Eagle, Colorado. Her birth was never recorded and consequently years later it was very difficult for her to obtain a passport. Through the 1920 census, her birth was confirmed and a birth certificate was finally issued. She graduated from Eagle High School in Colorado and from Colorado State University in 1940. Jean was a Home Economics major and taught school in a one room school house in Leadville, Colorado after graduating. She met and married Harley McDowell while attending College in Fort Collins, Colorado. They moved to Boise in 1942, where Harley opened Idaho Land and Appraisal Service in 1951. Jean stayed home to raise their three children, Brian, Patricia and Dennis. She was often seen in their yard playing football, basketball and baseball with her kids. She baked wonderful birthday cakes and invited all the kids in the neighborhood to the party. She never learned how to swim, but loved to water ski, even into her 60's as long as one of her children or grandchildren would go with her. Jeannie took pride in her cooking, entertaining, and delighted in sharing her creations with others. She was well known for making Fudge and Almond Toffee at Christmas. In the summer she would drive for miles to find the best Huckleberries, make jam and give it to everyone. She was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, bridge player, cookbook collector and an avid golfer. But above all, she was a bargain shopper and a practical joker. Jeannie is survived by her children, Brian McDowell and his wife MaryAnne, of Roseville, California, Trish Armstrong and her husband Tim, of Boise, and Dennis McDowell and his wife Jodee, of Boise and Bigfork Montana; grandchildren Molly McDowell Graham, Brad McDowell, Connie McDowell Bartich, Todd Armstrong, Tina Armstrong Manolopoulos, David Hassis, Tara McDowell O'Conner and Seth McDowell, and twelve great grandchildren. She loved her dog, Tonka, and appreciated her niece and husband, Susie and Richard Rodriquez for taking care of him. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harley McDowell, two sisters and grandson Mowbray Davidson. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Plantation Place Assisted Living, Janet Toolson for driving her to play bridge and Carol Collins for her weekly visits and crocheting lessons. A viewing will be on Friday, April 8th from 4-7 p.m. at Summers Funeral Homes, 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise. A Graveside service will be Saturday, April 9th, 11:00 a.m. at Cloverdale Memorial Park, with a celebration of life to be held at Hillcrest Country Club at noon. Memorials can be made to the Idaho Humane Society, 4775 W. Dorman Street, Boise, ID 83705; or charity of your choice.