Shirley M (Blakely) Dowdell

New Middletown, OH - On Wednesday, May 9, 2018, just five days short of her 97th birthday, Shirley M. Dowdell, went to her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family in Masternick Memorial Health Care Center.  She was born on May 15, 1921 to the late William and Fern Blakely.

Her husband, Joseph Dowdell preceded her in death. 

Shirley was loved by all who knew her.  She was always looking after the well-being of others, always giving of herself.  She had a strong faith in God and lived out that faith throughout her life.  Being the last of her six siblings, she played a big part in the lives of her nieces and nephews and they all adored her.

She was a wonderful cook and in her younger years, catered many private dinner parties and gained quite a reputation for her expertise.  She was an avid Scrabble player all her life and was proficient at it.  She was a member of Bethel Friends Church and hosted her Bible Study group in her home before moving to Windsor Estates Assisted Living in June, 2014.  While there, she continued to look after the other residents who needed help.  All the staff loved her and would come to her room for chocolate, which was always in her candy dish for them.

She was a wonderful mother despite many hardships in her life.   She was a great grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt.  Generous and loving to a fault, she always had such compassion for those in trouble and needing help.  She was a person who definitely left the world a better place because of her loving heart.

She leaves to honor her memory, four children: Gloria (John) of Boardman, Robert (Marie) of Virginia, Cheryl (Dave) Forrer of Canton, and Joie (Barry) Powell of Avon Lake;  8 grandchildren: Melissa (Dave) Gabriel of Poland, Mark (Tiffany) Mraz of Boardman, Sharyn (Donny) Lovelace of Illinois, Jennifer Shearer of Boardman, Joseph Dowdell of Columbus, Hannah Dowdell of Virginia, Allison Orin of California, and Adam Orin of Canton;  6 great grandchildren, Alex Marr of Akron, Griffin Marr of Poland, Ryan Shearer of Boardman, Carter, Cooper and Madelyn Mraz of Boardman.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 5:45 p.m. at Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Raccoon Road, Austintown, where friends can call from 5:45 - 5:45.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tabernacle United Presbyterian Church in Shirley's memory.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral service by Gary S Silvat Inc.  Send condolences to Shirley's family by visiting: www.cremateohio.com. 

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