A celebration of life for Kent community volunteer Michelle McDowell is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St.
McDowell, 68, died June 6 after a hard-fought battle with cancer, according to an obituary released this week by her family.
“Michelle was best known for her big smile and giving nature,” her family said. “She was active in the Kent community and impacted numerous lives over the years.”
McDowell coached the drill team at Meeker and cheerleading team at Mattson junior highs. She was a long-time member and president of the Lake Meridian Community Association. She served on numerous boards and committees for the city of Kent, none she was prouder of than the committee that oversaw the design and build of the ShoWare Center.
She was a lifelong resident of the South Sound. She attended Chelsea Park Elementary Elementary, which was in Burien and part of Highline Public Schools; Kent Junior High (now Mill Creek Middle School); and Evergreen High School, another Highline school.
McDowell was known for her love of animals from childhood to adulthood.
“She had two horses growing up and attributed what she said was her crooked nose to being bucked off her horse as a child,” her family said. “She was never without multiple rescue dogs. Even wild animals flocked to her when she stepped outside including birds, squirrels and raccoons.”
Survivors include her husband Steve McDowell; daughter Jamie Perry, son-in-law Matt Perry and granddaughters Bailey and Sloan. Jamie Perry is a former Kent City Council member.
The celebration is open to all who would like to join. There will be light refreshments and a time for friends and family to share memories and stories about Michelle McDowell.
“Michelle’s big smile and warm hug will be missed by everyone who knew her,” her family said.
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