Mrs. Margaret Anne McDowell, 73, passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at her home in Pocomoke City.
Born Sept. 12, 1951, in Banbury, England, she was the daughter of the late Albert Frank Plester and Beryl Jean Bush Plester.
Following high school, Margaret’s caring and compassionate spirit led her to pursue her calling as a nurse. At the young age of 25, she became a widow and single mother of two daughters.
Margaret once again found love and comfort when she met an American soldier, Richard Durden McDowell, who also fell in love with her girls. In 1979 Richard was reassigned and the family of four was transferred stateside to Langley Air Force Base.
Following honorable discharge in 1983, the McDowells briefly made their home in Hampton until retiring to Fairfax. Over the next several years Margaret focused on her family, settling into her life as a devoted homemaker, wife, and mother. After many years in Fairfax, they made their final move to the Eastern Shore, where Margaret remained devoted to her family until her passing.
Throughout her life, Margaret always prioritized the needs of others over her own, and nothing brought her more happiness than sharing all she had and loving with all her heart, whether you were human or four-legged. She was a social butterfly who thrived when surrounded by family and friends, laughter, and good music, trying something new, and especially when singing karaoke or dancing. Margaret never judged a soul, loved without prejudice, embraced any new experience, and sang karaoke and danced like no one was watching. She leaves a legacy that will continue to remind us all that you’re never too old to live.
She is survived by her companion of many years, Debbie Miller; her children, Anisha McCord (fiancé, Bill), of New Braunfels, Texas, Saira McDowell, of Nassawadox, and Timothy A. McDowell, of St. Louis, Miss.; brothers, John Plester and Jackie Alan Plester (Beverly); her granddaughter, Jaylee; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Richard, and son, David J. McDowell.
A memorial service will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m.
Contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to your local SPCA or animal rescue organization.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
