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Dolores Louise (Stull) McGowan, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters on March 1, 2025, in Vero Beach, FL.
Born August 18, 1931, in Lewistown to Kathryn (Brunett) and Herbert Stull, Dolores spent her formative years attending Lewistown schools and following her graduation from Lewistown Granville High School in 1949, Dolores moved to the Philadelphia area to attend the Bryn Mawr Hospital School of Nursing. After graduation in 1953, she worked as a nurse in Philadelphia and Baltimore, before moving back to her hometown in 1969. She worked at Lewistown Hospital as Director of Nursing for many years. Then, after early retirement she started a second career in finance, insurance and investments. She excelled at whatever she did, enjoyed her co-workers and had a fierce work ethic.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, shopping, decorating and gardening. In 2004, Dolores purchased a condo in Vero Beach, FL and became an official snowbird, spending her winters in FL and summers in her beloved Lewistown. Dee was a member of the Lewistown Presbyterian Church in Lewistown for many years. She was a loyal Penn State football fan and rarely missed a game on TV.
Many remember her beautifully decorated house on West Fourth Street, with Christmas trees in every room, wreaths and candles in every window, and a huge annual holiday party!
Dolores was deeply loved and will be forever missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William C. McGowan, Jr., brothers Donald Stull, Larry Stull, Jack Stull and Charles Stull, and sister Lena Stull. She is survived by her brother Herbert Stull of Lewistown, sister Karen (Robert) Barber of Lancaster; daughters Michele (Peter) Ritchie of Vero Beach, FL; Susan Haggard of Vero Beach, FL and Kathryn (Thomas) Decima of Vero Beach. She is also survived by grandchildren Kelly Moyer, Brandon Moyer, Brennan Decima (Erin), Bennett Decima, and Alexis Haggard. She is also survived by great grandchildren Eva Moyer-Wade, Cohen and Winter Decima. Dolores is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she loved.
Dolores was cared for by the wonderful nurses and aides at Brookdale Memory Care for the last six months of her life and by VNA Hospice. The family is grateful for their loving care.
The family will have a celebration of her life this spring, in Lewistown, PA.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Karen KOCHENDERFER - Friend of the family
March 11, 2025, 6:37 pm
Dear daughters of Dolores we the KOCHENDERFER families extend our heartfelt condolences to all of you in the passing of your beloved mother. I didn’t realize that your mom was only 4 days older than my mom, Janie Wagner who is living now on Logan St. I remember babysitting Kelly and Brandon when they were little. My husband Dwight worked with Dolores in insurance for a short time. He always told me what a great person she was. Hugs and prayers from Dwight, Karen, Kathleen, Scott & Dan.
Kathryn Knepp - Neighbors
March 12, 2025, 3:37 am
Sending condolences to you all. I am the youngest daughter of Orris and Nikki Knepp. We have been neighbors since 2007. I absolutely loved Dolores and remember such fond memories of her from my childhood. She allowed me to play on her property and to see her fish. She would invite me in to make me a snack, after playing outside. I always loved her pine tree with the star. She was truly a beautiful person. Hugs.
Nan Yeater - None
March 15, 2025, 3:02 pm
Dolores was Director of Nursing for Lewistown Hospital and served on the board at Valley View Haven. I got to know her when I worked at both facilities. Always a true professional and was kind , caring and supportive in her roles. Condolences to her daughters and families. Nan Goodling Yeater