Obituary of Evelyn R. MacDowall

Evelyn R. MacDowall, 83, of Honesdale, died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 12, 2014 in the Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert A. MacDowall. Born on June 18, 1930 in Carley Brook, she was the daughter of the late John and Mildred Brunig Riefler. Raised on the family farm in Carley Book, Evelyn graduated from Honesdale High School. She was a lifelong and devoted member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Honesdale where she was member of the Church Council and Sunday School teacher. Evelyn was a distinguished recipient of the Uncle Henry Tribute award which was instituted in memory of her late uncle. She was known as "Grandma Evelyn" by many; she loved children, and children loved her. For many years, she enjoyed the pleasure of operating a child day care in her home. Evelyn was an ambitious, caring individual who loved her family; she baked fifty dozen Christmas cookies in December and enjoyed the company of others in her home. An optimistic person, Evelyn was a religious woman, and above all, she was a truly sincere Christian. She is survived by three children: Dr. Robert J. MacDowall and his wife Sophie of Kensington, Maryland, Kathy Davis and her husband William of Milton, PA, and Sharon Gill and her husband Darryl of Equinunk; seven grandchildren: Lauralee Maxwell and her husband David, Nicole Wagner and her husband Michael, Eve Lynn Collins, Gerald Collins, Laura MacDowall, Emalee Gill, and Daniel Gill; two great-grandchildren: Noah and Faith Maxwell; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a brother: William Riefler, and a son-in-law: David A. Collins. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. in St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Honesdale, with Rev. Kenneth Buckwalter officiating. Friends may visit at the church on Friday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Interment will be Friday in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Honesdale. Memorial Contributions may be made in Evelyn's memory to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 107 7th St, Honesdale, PA 18431.