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Marianne McDOWELL Obituary
Marianne Montano McDowell, 63, of Lynchburg, lost her brave battle with cancer on Saturday, June 13, 2009. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Thomas A. McDowell Jr.
She was born Dec. 11, 1945, in East Orange, N.J., and is survived by her parents, Philip Ernest Montano and Marie Annello Montano, both of Roanoke. She was employed in the banking business for more than 30 years and was a communicant of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
She fought for many years, and finally succumbed, to a rare form of heart cancer. Marianne was the bravest, kindest, most loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. There are no words to convey how strongly she cared for others and how much she was loved. All who met her were changed for the better by being in her presence.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by two daughters, Lisa McDowell of Roanoke, and Amy McDowell Lightner and husband, Bryan, of Lynchburg; a very special granddaughter, Madysen Kendrick Lightner of Lynchburg, who was the burning light of her life and brought her the most incredible joy; two sisters, Marilyn Montano, and Michele Dowdy and husband, John, both of Roanoke; one brother, Marty Montano of Roanoke; several nieces and nephews; and so many wonderful family and friends.
A special thank you to Dr. John Halpin for providing to her, for 11 years, the best care possible.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church by the Rev. Richard T. Mooney. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park.
Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Whitten Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Timberlake Chapel, (434) 239-0331, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send a condolence to the family, visit www.whittenfuneralhome.
com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marianne McDOWELL
Sylvia St.Clair/Schrader
July 6, 2009
Dear Montano/Mcdowell family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I always enjoyed when the entire family came together at "Montano's". Family is very important to one's soul and I know that the memories of Marianne will be carried in all of your hearts. My prayers will be for your family in the days, months, and years to come. While time may take the sting out of the initial pain, you will never forget your wife, mom, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. God bless you and bring peace to you in the days ahead.
June 24, 2009
Lisa so sorry to find out about your mom Ryan and I felt like we knew her by the conversations we had if there is anything we can do let us know. We are thinking about you and love you The Halls
Greg Conner
June 24, 2009
Tommy, Lisa and Amy - I know you guys are hurting, and we are so sorry. All of you remain in our thoughts. - Greg and Kerin.
Lisa (Reynolds) Stone
June 21, 2009
Tom, Lisa, and Amy, I was so sorry to learn of Marianne's passing. I have memories of talking with her at the bus stop years ago when she would walk Lisa and Amy over to our driveway to catch the bus. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. What a blessing to have had such a wife and mother. May God's presence and love sustain you during this time.
Marianne Ebert
June 19, 2009
Dear Michelle,
I am just so sorry about the loss of your sister. My heart goes out to you. She was obviously a wonderfully loving and giving person, so evident from what people have said about her. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.
Larry McMahon
June 19, 2009
Dear Phil and Marie, just a short note to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very troubling time.
Marianne was very special to me and I enjoyed growing up with her at RCH.
Larry and Miriam McMahon, Southport, NC
Donna Sue Richardson
June 19, 2009
To Michele,John and children and all extended family: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.I pray your strong faith and wonderful memories help lighten your burden. May God hold you in his hands as others hold you in our hearts.
Carolyn Prince
June 18, 2009
Tom, Lisa and Amy, I hadn't seen Marianne for a couple of years and I know that is my loss. I thought so much of her. She was a great lady and I know how very much she loved all of you and how proud she was of you. She always beamed when she spoke of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heidi Davis
June 18, 2009
Dear Lisa & Michele,
My heart go out to you both, and your famiy, at this time. I know your mother and sister meant the world to you and will be missed. May your cherished memories bring you joy and lessen the sorrow in the days ahead. As counselors it will be in your nature to help others, but be sure to let others help you, too.
Tara Morgan
June 18, 2009
I worked with Marianne at Cooperative, years ago.Marianne was a sweet, kind, and very caring person.I was sad to hear about Marianne, and she will be missed.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Fr Dennis Murphy
June 18, 2009
Dear Tom and family,
I have fond memories of Marianne at St Thomas More when I was Pastor. I pray she be at peace with the Lord forever and enjoy the rewards of her good works. Sincerest Sympathy. I will offer Mass for her today here.
Caroline Wray
June 17, 2009
Michele Dowdy and all family,
We are thinking about and praying for your family during this time. Bless your family, and be still and know [he is] God.
Much love,
Caroline and Tim Wray
Carolyn Sandidge
June 17, 2009
Amy,
I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories of you Mom bring you comfort in the days ahead. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy Spitler
June 17, 2009
Mcdowell family -
I am truly sorry to hear the news. Marianne was such a nice personable person to me in the past.
I know all too well how difficult this is you you all, but with time the pain of loss will ease some. And always remember that you will see her again one day.
Try to belive this, as it has helped my in my recent losses.
Jimmy
Pat Waters
June 17, 2009
Uncle Tommy,Lisa,and Amy,
It was so good to speak to everyone last night and I still can't properly express my sorrow . Aunt Marianne left us just way too soon, however I know she will continue to watch over you all like she always did. Love to each of you-
Ken and Bettie Wandling
June 17, 2009
Dear Tom and Family,
What can we say? Marianne just glowed with kindness and caring upon everyone that she met. We will always remember her with a beautiful smile on her face and a little twinkle in her eye! It was our privilege to have shared so many "Heritage" memories with Marianne. May you find some measure of peace in the loving memories that you made together as a family.
Stephanie Pearcey & Mom
June 17, 2009
Marty, Michelle, & Your Mom & Dad,
Stephanie & I are so sorry for your loss. We're sure she will be sadly missed by all of you. Our prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Krista and Chris Peery
June 17, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Please know that if there is anything we can do...we want to be there for you during this hard time. Lisa we love and miss you... stay strong.
June 16, 2009
Tom, My thoughts & prayers are with you. It was a pleasure to work with Marianne. We had some great times. She will be missed by her BB&T family. Robin Gaines, Langorne Rd, BB&T
Jenny Gregory
June 16, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Marianne for a little over a year and I admire her strength and positive attitude that she had no matter what. I am praying for your family during this difficult time.
Nic Parker
June 16, 2009
When my mom told me of Marianne passing I was in shock. I am sorry for your loss and I will always rember her as my other mother. Amy you were like my sister and I can't even imagine how it would be to lose my mother. My prayers are with you all, and I won't be able to attend but I know my mom will do what ever you need, just ask.
Angela (Angie Noel) Saumeing
June 16, 2009
Amy,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Celena Miller
June 16, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am thinking and praying for you and your family Amy.
June 16, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I had read your facebook comments many times but had no idea your mother was ill. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Wendy Goggins, Lynchburg, Virginia
June 16, 2009
May you and your family have peace. I am sorry to not be there,I am presently out of the area. God Bless you and your family. Donna Mcclure
Annie Harman
June 16, 2009
Marilyn, Michele, and Marty, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless each of you.
Annie Harman
Jennifer Tate
June 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim & Margie Peak
June 16, 2009
Tommy, Jim stumbled on Marianne's obituary this morning when he was in Lynchburg babysitting our granddaughter. It was such a shock to us. What a precious person Marianne was! We remember our times together when we were young, and when Jim was in your wedding. We will be praying for all of you. She was such an example of a life well lived. Our love to all of you. Jim & Margie Peak
Mary Mayberry
June 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Hall Family
June 16, 2009
To Marianne's loved ones,
I worked with Marianne several years ago and must say, she was a joy to be around. It truly is sad that she has lost this battle, but she fought it with all of her might. Please know that you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Kenny and Carol Conner
June 16, 2009
Tommy, Lisa, Amy and family,
How sad we are to hear about your loss, but how wonderful that you had Marianne in your lives! We are grateful to have been your friends over the years, and we are thinking of you now and keeping you close in our prayers.
Karen Hudson
June 16, 2009
Amy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this hard time.
Tiffany Richardson
June 16, 2009
Lisa, I'm thinking of you and your family with my warmest regard. May you find peace of mind and comfort.
Angie Bryant
June 16, 2009
Amy,
Words can't express how sorry I am to hear about your mother's passing. Just know that she IS in a better place. Find comfort in knowing that so many people are thinking of you and your family. Time will heal the hurt, but it can never take away the memories you have of her. God blessed you with many happy times with her here on earth and rest assured - you will see her again! HE will carry you through these tough times and bring you to a brighter day. God bless you. I love you dearly,
Angie Bryant
Denise Jones
June 16, 2009
Lisa and Michelle,
My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. May God bless you and be with you, and may your memories of your time together give you comfort.
June 16, 2009
Your mother was a very sweet woman, she will be missed dearly. You, Bryan and Maddy are in our prayers, as is the rest of your family.
Kim & the kids
Shelby Faulconer
June 16, 2009
Amy, I am truely sorry for your and your family's loss. Please understand that she is not suffering anymore and that she is still looking over you and Madysen. May time and happy memories help you through this difficult time. Love to you all.
vicki from montano's
June 16, 2009
Lisa and Amy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a very kind and beautiful woman and I am proud to have known her as a friend. I hold you and the entire Montano family very closely in my prayers during this sad time.
LeeOra Reese
June 16, 2009
Amy-
You and your familly are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you!
Frank Mills
June 16, 2009
MARTY I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR SISTER,I KNOW HOW IT HURTS BUT GOD ONLY PICKS THE BEST.
Stacey Rice
June 16, 2009
Amy, Just wanted to let you know that I'am thinking of you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the comfort you need will find you in this difficult time. Please let me know if you need anything. May God Bless You.
Karen Simonton
June 16, 2009
Amy
You are loved. I wish you knowledge of God's abiding presence during this difficult time. Philippians 4:7 "and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus".
June 16, 2009
Tommy,
I'm praying for comfort for you and your family.
jwburton
Rhonda Wood
June 16, 2009
Amy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find great comfort in knowing how much you love your Mom and how much she loved you.
God Bless You!
Vickie Karnes
June 16, 2009
Marianne will be missed by so many, she always had a smile on her face and was the most loving person. She always held on to her faith and loved her family so much. May God be with you all through this very diffuclt time. Let us know if we can help.
June 16, 2009
Lisa, Just a note to say I'm thinking of you all.
Love,
Johnny Nunley (former mgr @ restaurant)
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