Olga June McDowell

Olga June McDowell

Olga McDowell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 14, 2005.
Surrounded by family and friends OLGA JUNE MCDOWELL of Port Bolivar, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2005. She was 56. A loving mother, doting grandmother, dedicated wife and faithful friend, Olga spent her life cultivating meaningful relationships. Family meant everything to her. When faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Olga battled breast cancer- - for seven years-with steadfast determination and unyielding strength. She fought for time with her grandchildren, whom she was determined to spoil. They were her babies, and they could do no wrong in her eyes. Morgan, James, Allie and newborn baby, Levi-she wanted each to know that grandmee would always fight their corner. Born in Suva, Fiji on December 23, 1948, Olga married James Edwin McDowell on July 31, 1969. Olga and Jim settled in northwest Houston, where they raised three daughters. Olga was a highly competitive tennis player who competed at championship level even as she underwent chemotherapy. Her strength and iron will was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Following Jim McDowell's sudden death in 1996, Olga married Douglas William Shepherd. Doug cared for Olga throughout her illness. He was a constant source of encouragement and companionship. Olga is survived by her husband, Doug Shepherd, daughter, Tammy McDowell, granddaughter, Morgan Rae Howell, daughter, Leslie McDowell, grandson, James Mizell, son-in-law, David Threadgold, daughter, Tanya Thome, granddaughter, Allie Thome, grandson, Levi Thome and son-in-law, Rod Thome. Also she is survived by her stepchildren Paul Shepherd, his wife, Christine, and their sons Jack, 8, and Thomas, 7 and also by her step daughter, Teresa Threadgold. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00PM, Thursday, April 14, 2005 at Klein Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:00AM, Friday, April 15, 2005 at Klein Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Klein Memorial Park, Tomball, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 2425 Fountainview, Suite 210, Houston, Texas, 77057.

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

Sign Olga McDowell's Guest Book

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April 18, 2005

Janice Underwood posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2005

Julie Camp posted to the memorial.

April 14, 2005

Stephanie Williams (Borrello) posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Janice Underwood

April 18, 2005

Aunt Olga's love will always remain in our hearts forever. I will never forget that beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Julie Camp

April 15, 2005

I had the great fortune of getting to know Olga McDowell on the way to a tennis match she and I were scheduled to play. She will always be remembered as one of those people who make a beautiful lasting impression. I will never forget her.

Stephanie Williams (Borrello)

April 14, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Leslie, and your entire family.

Tammie Flack

April 14, 2005

I only met Olga briefly through tennis. She was such a fun person to be around. She had a zest for life that made everyone smile. We had some great conversations about Fiji and family. She will be missed.

Dawn Shull

April 14, 2005

Olga was a wonderful friend, an awesome tennis player and an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

Walter & Sally Latham

April 14, 2005

Doug & The Girls,

Olga was truly the most remarkable person that I have ever known in my life. Although she continued to battle cancer, she still took time to just call to tell you that she missed you and loved you. The many trips that the gang went on are memories that I will always cherish. I will miss her very much.

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Sign Olga McDowell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 18, 2005

Janice Underwood posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2005

Julie Camp posted to the memorial.

April 14, 2005

Stephanie Williams (Borrello) posted to the memorial.