M. Jean Lowder
July 27, 2012
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Service Details
M. Jean Monahan Lowder passed away on Friday, July 27, 2012, surrounded by her family. She had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the liver in September 2011.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 4, 2012, at Sacred Heart Church, 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. The family will be present at a visitation service on Friday, August 3, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.
Jean was born on January 11, 1927, to Patrick and Irene Schumacher Monahan in Shelby County, Iowa. She graduated from Creighton University School of Nursing, and later received a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota.
Jean met and married Dr. Richard Lowder in Omaha, Nebraska, during the time he was attending Creighton’s College of Dentistry. After his graduation they moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where Dr. Lowder established a dental practice, and Jean was employed with the Mercy System. After their retirement they moved to West Des Moines, Iowa in 1992.
Jean continued her professional career in nursing in Sioux City, Iowa, practicing in both clinical and education areas of nursing. She was a member and past President of Sigma Theta Tau Iowa chapter, Theta Gamma (Scholarship and Leadership Professional Association), and in 1992 received the Edith Ruppert award from the Iowa Nurses Association for Contributions to the Improvement of Nursing. She was a life-long member of the American Nurses Association. After her retirement from nursing, Jean volunteered for Sacred Heart Church and for the Senior College of Greater Des Moines.
Jean is survived by her son, Mike and his wife, Kay Lowder of Urbandale, Iowa; daughters, Mary Lowder Knight and her husband, Bruce Knight of Champaign, Illinois, and Suzi Lowder Kottemann and her husband, Karl Kottemann of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, James “J.R.” Knight and his wife, Leann of Urbana, Illinois, Libby Knight of Kennesaw, Georgia, Kara Kottemann Castellanos and her husband, Roi of Springfield, Virginia, Kristin Kottemann of St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri, Matt Lowder of Ames, Iowa, and Ryan Lowder of Urbandale, Iowa.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Dr. Richard Lowder, on December 1, 2009; her parents, Patrick and Irene Monahan; and her sister, Helen Monahan Ellison Dixon.
Jean had many interests in her life – faith and family were number one, followed by her nursing profession, love of fine arts, and her love and firm belief in lifelong learning.
Jean faced her illness with acceptance, strength, and courage, just as she had with everything she confronted in life, always relying on her strong faith in God who would be the final decision maker of her life and death plan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Creighton University College of Nursing, Sacred Heart Church, or the Senior College of Greater Des Moines.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Brooks Brothers store at Jordan Creek Town Center
08/06/2012
We are sorry to hear of Jean's passing. It was a pleasure every time she came into the store and she would share with us stories of her trips to visit her famliy and she always had a smile on her face. Our condolences to you family. Jean will be missed.
Beth Gaul
08/02/2012
I worked with your mother for many years during the Iowa Nurses Association annual conventions. She was always so friendly, efficient, and passionate about nursing. It was always a joy to work with her. I remember when she received the Edith Ruppert Award and how we were so proud of her. Your dad also came to the award dinner and you could tell how much they enjoyed being with each other and how proud he was of her. My condolences to your family.
Mary Jo (Harrington) Cuttell
08/01/2012
To the family of Jean Lowder,
I had your mother as an instructor when I was a nursing student at St. Joe's in Sioux City, graduating in '75. Unfortunately, I had to have 2 surgeries as a student nurse and your mom helped me keep up with my studies so that I could graduate with my class. She was a great person. In the early 80's, my brother, Fr. Mark Harrington, was assigned to Blessed Sacrament and I ran into your mom and it was great fun catching up. We all now live in Phoenix, Arizona. I have thought about her so many times through the years and was always so thankful for her guidance and determination to help me so that I could graduate. I am still working as an RN. Please know what a great role model she was for the student nurses and the nursing profession. I know that you will all miss her. I am hopeful through the love of God, family, and friends some peace and comfort will be found in these difficult days. You have my deepest sympathy.
Joyce Mall James
08/01/2012
I am sad for your loss. Jean worked with me at The Blood Center. As a fellow R.N., I understood her poise and her knowledge. Jean was a very kind person. My condolences to all she left behind...
Karen Waldschmitt
08/01/2012
On behalf of myself and the St. Vincent School of Nursing Alumni Association, we extend our sympathy to you, Jean's family. Jean organized and coordinated the Sr. Mary Agatha Continuing Education Sessions sponsored by our Alumni Association for many years. She did an excellent job and we are most grateful for that. I worked with Jean when it was Marian Health Center and always admired her attention to detail and work ethic. I know you will miss her and hope that her final days were not too difficult. Thank you for sharing your mother with us.
Glenda Carstensen
08/01/2012
Dear Jean Lowder Family, Was sorry to read of Jean's death and want you to know that you have my thoughts and prayers We worked together at Mercy in Sioux City and Jean was a good role model and nurse. I enjoyed being with her at work and hearing her many stories.
Karen Kittell
07/31/2012
My condolences to Jeans family. I worked with Jean at The Blood Center (LifeServe) for many years and held her in the highest esteem. May the faith and strength of her family and friends carry them through.
Mary C. McCarthy
07/31/2012
Dear Lowder Family, I am sorry to read of your Mother's death. Her obituary reflected her in so many ways. Faith, family, learning, and of course good fun were her hallmarks. I knew her as a kid working at St Joe in Sioux City. As an adult I loved visiting with her at Iowa Nurses' Association conventions, etc.
Our mothers were good friends so I know that I can send her condolences as well. Take care, Mary C. McCarthy
Dr. & Mrs. Wayne and Joyce Barnes
07/31/2012
I was saddened to read of Jeans passing. She and Dick were friends of ours when they lived in Sioux City. My husband Wayne is a retired dentist here in Sioux City.
Sincere condolences to you and your families.
Nila Hayes
07/31/2012
I am so sorry to hear of Jean,s passing. I have such good memories of working with her at Mercy,she was nice ,funny,smart and very creative.
I have been praying for her ever since she sent me her Christmas letter with the bad news.
Blessings to all of you.
Nila