Lorraine Shirley McDowell
Lorraine Shirley McDowell
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Lorraine McDowell Obituary
She grew up in Emporium, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Cameron County High School in 1981. Lori earned a Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and worked as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and with the Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension as an advocate for at risk children.
Later she went back to the Pitt-Bradford campus to gain an education degree. In recent years Lori taught sixty and seventh grade science at Culpeper Middle School after several years teaching elementary school in Rappahanock County. She loved being an educator, enjoyed the friendships of her colleagues and took great joy in seeing her students learn and grow. Lori's son, Leo, was the center of her life. She took great pride in him, and enjoyed every moment they could spend together. She also loved to read, was the "queen of Sodoku" and loved to spend time with friends and family. She will be remembered for her unbridled laughter and sense of humor, storytelling ability and her love of family and friends.
Lori passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2012, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma.
Lori is survived by her son, Leo; her mother, Freda McDowell Griffith; her three brothers, Daniel and Terri McDowell, Timothy and Katie McDowell, John McDowell; and two sisters, Pamela and Rodney Rees and Susan and Isaac Smith; as well as her beloved aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Earl McDowell; and her beloved grandparents, Theodore and Muriel McDowell.
Services will be held 5 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Culpeper United Methodist Church.
The family will receive visitors immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.
To honor Lori, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Multiple Myeloma Foundation or the University of Virginia Emily Couric Cancer Center.
This obituary was originally published in the Culpeper StarExponent.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
God's light is shining a little brighter because of you, Lori.
Cynthia Abrams
September 24, 2012
I'm going to miss you and your wicked wit your wry sense of humor, and our spirited discussions about justice for the left behind in our society. But most of all you were an awesome cousin and your death will leave a void in our family that can't be filled. Love you, Lor.
Nicole Abrams
September 20, 2012
You will be sadly missed. You were a great mom and cousin.
Sherri Pifer
September 20, 2012
Lori will be missed by many. Those who knew her loved her laughter and and was inspired by her teaching. She will never truly be gone from our lives. When we think of Lori we will smile :)
Todd Pontious
September 19, 2012
What we have done for ourselves dies with us; what you have done for others will remain in our hearts and minds. It was a pleasure to call you my friend.
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Donna Lingenfelter
September 19, 2012
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy To Leo and your family all of whom you were so proud of and loved. I will miss you my friend.
Linda Clark
September 19, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Lori's death. I remember her when she taught here in Rappahannock. Her family has my deepest sympathy. Linda Clark
M/M Bryan Goodrow
September 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Julie Noble
September 18, 2012
To Lori's family sorry for your loss. I didn't get to meet Lori,butr heard wonderful stories about her.
Susan Smith
September 18, 2012
My Sister, My friend, My mentor. I will let your words and works continue to shape and guide me. Forever in my heart.
Robin and Family Abrams-Duarte
September 18, 2012
Lori an unforgettably joyful cousin, a wonderful mom, an amazingly gifted, loving human being. We will miss you and your laughter.
Krism Bastien-Lopez
September 18, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Fall is so nice
Nancy Baker Umbenhauer
September 18, 2012
Lori, You will be remembered, Long after even your classmates are gone. us;) For being a wonderful teacher,Friend,Family member, and MOTHER. As the old saying goes. " Thank you for being a friend" The Golden Girls. Thank You Lori for being my friend.
Heidi Garner
September 18, 2012
Such a beautiful lady I was so lucky to get to know her. Her sister Susan is my beautiful daughter in law. Laura was just so full of joy and love and always a pleasure to be around. God bless and she'll always be close to our hearts.
Diana Griffith
September 18, 2012
I have always looked up to Lori McDowell. She was a great person so full of talent.
Ruth Ann Abrams
September 18, 2012
Missing you and loving you. Thanks for the laughs and the long talks. Thanks for your trust in me. I hope I live up to it :)
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11190 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701
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