Nancy R. McDowell, 75, of Olney, was born on July 28, 1934, and died on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at her home in Olney.  Graveside services for Mrs. McDowell held at Crest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Berton Heline officiating.

Mrs. McDowell was born to Theodore E. and Laura E. Berry in Olney.

She graduated from East Richland High School in 1952 and enjoyed a lengthy career at the Richland Memorial Hospital in central supply, where she was conscientious about her work and considerate to her co-workers.

On Feb. 5, 1957, she married Charles M. McDowell, who preceded her in death on April 5, 1995.

After retiring from the hospital in 1997, Nancy enjoyed caring for her friends, cooking for her family, and was especially honored to sew and design wheelchair and walker accessories for disabled veterans. Mrs. McDowell was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. When time allowed, Nancy also enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting.

Known as a compassionate friend, Mrs. McDowell was always the first to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed her, family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling to Colorado, visiting her son Ken and daughter-in-law, Delinda, and making occasional trips to the Colorado Rockies, especially Estes Park and the famous Stanley Hotel. Her grandchildren and-great grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents, Theodore and Laura Berry; brother, Richard Berry; sister-in-law, Bonnie Berry; and great-grandson, Korbin Dallmier; and numerous relatives.

Mrs. McDowell is survived by her brother, Robert Berry, of Utica, Ill.; daughter, Deborah Daughtery, of Flora; son Ken McDowell and wife, Delinda, of, Sterling, Colo.; grandsons, Aaron "Matt" Dallmier and Jeremy Dallmier and wife, Katie, all of Quincy, Ill.; granddaughter, Laura Dallmier, of Olney, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Dallmier, Alix Dallmier, Alexis Snell and Christian Snell, all of Quincy, Ill., and numerous relatives and friends.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)