Irene Dowell, age 80, of McKinney, Texas, passed in peace on March 31, 2014, at the family home in McKinney. Irene was born February 23, 1934, in San Antonio, Texas. She grew up in Detroit, Michigan and later was a graduate of the Chicago Arts Institute. Irene was an engineer, a furniture designer, and also established her own Design and Manufacturing Company. She enjoyed creating metal sculpture, restoring antiques, rewiring old light fixtures, and could repair just about anything. Irene was an “artsy” lady with contemporary flair. One of her favorite fun art venues was to restore mannequins and make them into characters. She loved music and she loved her workshop.
Irene was recently predeceased 18 days by her husband John on March 13, 2014. They met at the Michigan Inspection Bureau where they both were employed. John and Irene recently celebrated their 60th anniversary together on May 2nd. Shortly after the birth of their daughter Nina, they moved to McKinney from Chicago, Illinois to live on the family farm. They are together now once again.
Irene is survived by her daughter, Nina Dowell Ringley and son-in-law, Lawrence Ringley also of McKinney; grandsons, Seth Dowell Ringley and Corbin Dowell Ringley, both of McKinney; sister Esther Cauchi of Detroit, Michigan and sister Margarita Bauer of Chicago, Illinois. She loved her dog Ramsey and her grand puppies Scooby, Bella, Daisey, Ruth, Eliza and Zeus. Irene is also survived by numerous other loving relatives and friends.
A private family graveside service and inurnment will be held at a later date on the Dowell Family Farm and the gulf waters of Mexico Beach, Florida.
Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church of McKinney and the McKinney Educational Foundation/John Dowell Memorial Scholarship Fund.