Wendy Jo Mcdowell

Wendy was a beautiful person who devoted her life to her children, her husband, her family and her friends. She was gracious, dependable, down-to-earth and highly respected by others for her fun and easy-going personality. It was an exciting day for Wayne and Ruth to experience the birth of their first child, Wendy. Grandma Reid's excitement could hardly be contained when she was called to help deliver her granddaughter, a big baby at 8 lbs. 5 oz., during her shift at the hospital that day. Baby Wendy and her parents settled in their happy home on Mayfair Street. The Reids began adding siblings for Wendy and the family grew in size to four children. Barb was born in 1962, Tim in 1963, and Mike in 1965. In 1967, the family of six moved to Southwood Avenue, where Wendy attended Lincoln Park Elementary under the loving and watchful eye of her Aunt Myra, who was a teacher at the school. Wendy developed a close, special relationship with her Aunt that continued throughout her life. She felt comfortable confiding in her Aunt and sharing her true, heartfelt feelings with her. Both of Wendy's parents worked hard for a living. Her father was a Counselor at Muskegon Community College while her mother taught at Lincoln Elementary. Since her mother had summers off, Wendy and her siblings looked forward to summer time when the family could go on greatly- anticipated vacations. The family, which included the family dog, Blanche, enjoyed camping in their pop-up camper and traveling throughout the United States. The roar of laughter and the silly stories that were shared created some of the most memorable times in Wendy's life. When Wendy was in the fifth grade, she began a life long interest and love of music. Quite talented, Wendy began playing the flute and excelled in her studies. She continued her love of music and played the flute throughout her life. As a young girl, Wendy enjoyed all sorts of activities, especially those that revolved around music such as attending fine arts camp at Blue Lake and singing in her church choir at the First Congregational Church. She enjoyed participating in church activities with her good friend, Lisa and swimming at her Aunt Myra's pool. Wendy attended Mona Shores High School. She enjoyed school, went to social events with her friends, played basketball and continued her involvement with music, by joining the high school band. During her senior year she went to Europe with the band! As a teen, she found time to take on a part-time job at McDonald's. In 1978, Wendy graduated high school with honors and went on to Muskegon Community College and later Michigan State University to study music therapy. Throughout her college career, she continued working for McDonald's. During her time at MSU, she lost interest in studying music therapy and decided instead to pursue management training at McDonald's. Wendy was happy and content. After she transferred to a different McDonald's, Wendy met a young man, Dennis McDowell. She was his boss, and they became friends. Over time, they discovered their mutual interests were vast. During their courtship, they enjoyed a social life of good friends, parties, night clubs, and hugs and kisses. They were married on August 3, 1985 and settled into their first home at the Glen Oaks Apartments. A couple of years later while Dennis was employed by Tooling Components, the two purchased their first home on Beach Street. A year later, on November 1, 1988, their first daughter Megan was born. It was a tenuous time since Megan was born prematurely. Over time, Megan flourished and was a happy, health baby. A few years later, the McDowell family welcomed their second child, daughter Colleen on April 7, 1994. She was a carbon copy of Dennis. With two beautiful girls, the McDowell family was complete. As the girls grew, Wendy proudly attended all their social and school activities, including Girl Scout outings and Muskegon Catholic Central High School band events. Wendy was very close to her family and loved visiting with them over meals. She was known for her long telephone conversations and her internet communication with those she cared about. Her daughters, Megan and Colleen were the light of her life and Wendy was a supportive mother who was there for her children. She looked out for their well-being and rejoiced along with them in their successes. In addition to spending time with her children, Wendy also enjoyed going on shopping trips to Chicago, jaunts to the casino, skating shows and attending family fondues. Over the years, she tended to her daughters and focused on their well-being, always there to make certain they were doing well. Wendy continued to enjoy her work and most recently was employed at the downtown Burger King where she enjoyed both employees and her customers. Wendy was greatly saddened by the deaths of her father and her beloved Aunt Myra. She felt these losses deep within her heart. After 46 years of a life filled with love, Wendy passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2006 following a brief illness. Wendy was an amazing woman who will be dearly missed by her children, her family, her friends and her acquaintances. May she now rest in peace. Wendy was preceded in death by her father, Wayne in 2001 and by Aunt Myra and Uncle John Klever. Wendy will be greatly missed by her husband, Dennis and her two daughters, Megan and Colleen; her mother, Ruth Reid of Muskegon; in-laws, Dennis Sr. and (Phyllis) McDowell of Muskegon and Mary (John) Wyhowski of Spring Lake; sister, Barbara Hussey of Grand Rapids ; brothers, Tim (Julie) Reid of Muskegon and Mike (Belinda) Reid of Whitehall; and several nieces and nephews. You may read more about Wendy's life and share a favorite memory by visiting www.lifestorynet.com.