Irene McDowell
April 24, 2012
Irene McDowell, 74, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center.
Irene was born on December 20, 1937, in Lake Mills, Iowa, to Cora (Troe) and Gilman Groe. She was the youngest of twelve siblings. Irene was employed by the city of Des Moines for 35 years. The last 25 ½ years, she worked for the Des Moines Fire Department as an administrative assistant. Irene was a huge Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. She loved being outdoors, cooking, and spending time with her family. She especially loved going back home to spend time with her siblings.
Irene is survived by her children, Dennis McGinn, Mark McGinn, Deanne (Paul) Merrill, Larry (Shelly) McGinn and Ann McGinn; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters; and one brother. She was preceded in death by her companion of 20 years, Merle Scovel; her parents; and six brothers.
All services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2012, and a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 28, 2012.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or to your local fire department.
Online condolences made be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Aunt Barbara Tom - California
04/30/2012
Dear Larry and Shelly, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom's difficult illness and passing. I pray that the Lord will comfort your hearts and give you peace. I know you will miss her very much. Thinking of you and praying for you during this time.
Gail Long
04/28/2012
I am very sorry for the loss of your mother, Irene. I met her at Larry and Shelly's wedding and then in their home last Thanksgiving. We enjoyed several hours visiting together. I am glad I was able to be there to get to know her. My prayers are with you. I wrote a condolence yesterday but did not see it there, so I am writing again.
Tammy Onley & Zach
04/27/2012
I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. May all the great memories be reviewed daily in your mind & heart as you press forward through this difficulty time. I know we mourn for her not being on this earth, however rejoice knowing that she is with the Lord for eternity smiling down upon all her loved ones. I pray for a peace that passes all understanding to come and embrace the family & to remain continuously. God Bless!
Pam Rotert (Ford)
04/26/2012
So sorry for your loss. Ditto what Shirley said! The Moms loved to talk as much as we loved to play outside. May your memories comfort you.
Sheryl (Martinson) Pavelka
04/26/2012
I was a classmate of Irene's and am so sorry to learn of her passing. It was good to see her at one of the class reunions that she came to. All of us classmates had not seen her for so long and it was good to touch base. My sympathy to all of her family and friends.
Shirley Markey
04/26/2012
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a nice lady! I remember bringing her cartons of eggs every other weekend. And I remember playing lots of hide and seek or freeze tag while our moms would be talking and we would get to stay out later than usual (even after the street lights came on!). Savor the memories!
Pauline MC Ginn Steinbach
04/26/2012
I am your Dads cousin. Our children went to All Saints school with some of you! I talked to your Mom once on the phone . A very nice lady as well as beautiful. I m'sure she will be greatly missed.Our family extends our thoughts and prayers to the family. Don and Pauline MCGinn Steinbach and family