Suzanne M. McDowell

Age 57, of Gainesville, unexpectedly passed away in her sleep on October 29, 2025, at her home.

She was born on November 27, 1967, in Warsaw, daughter of Sally Higgins Shearing and the late Robert M. Shearing. Sue was a graduate of Letchworth Central School, class of 1985. She went on to study at Genesee Community College where she earned an associate’s degree in office technology in 1987. Sue most recently worked as an office administrator at the Perry Marketplace until its closing in 2025. Growing up, she was a member of the Gainesville United Methodist Church. Sue enjoyed reading and testing her mental sharpness with computer games. She also liked watching the Dukes of Hazard and was a hummingbird enthusiast. Sue was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and NASCAR fan who always cheered for Dale Earnhardt Jr. She owned a 2002 red Monte Carlo that she took pride in and loved animals as well. Especially her black labs named Fred and Jack. The thing that gave Sue the most joy though was the time she spent with her husband of twenty-six years, Tim McDowell.

Sue is predeceased by her father, grandparents, Harry and Cora Higgins, Donald and Elsa Shearing.

She is survived by her loving husband, Timothy F. McDowell, her mother, Sally A. Shearing, her brother, Gregory C. Shearing of Gainesville; her aunt, Nancy (James) Higgins Wilson; her Uncle Charles (Emily) Higgins, her cousins, Matt Higgins, Melissa Higgins, and their families; many other aunts, uncles, cousins of the Shearing family, and friends.

A private service with burial in Maple Grove Cemetery, Gainesville will be held. Arrangements are being completed by Robinson and Hackemer Funeral Home, Warsaw. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at donate.nationalmssociety.org or the Town of Gainesville Public Library, 10 Church St., Silver Springs, NY 14550.