Kathleen Olga McDowell, 72, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Friday, January 5. She was born in Broadus, Montana to Frederick John and Olga Klara (Gali) Markert.

She lived in Montana, Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, Nevada, California, and Oregon. She married Harold Wilson McDowell on July 18, 1964 in Scio, and lived on the base of Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. They finally settled in Oregon in 1977.

Kathleen worked in Nursing homes in Pennsylvania, California, and Oregon. She retired from Twin Oaks Care Center after 30 years.

She was involved with Awanas at the First Baptist Church in Brownsville for several years. She also enjoyed her time in the nursery. After retiring, she spent time helping care for her sister-in-law, Nellie Markert, until her passing, as well as caring for her mother until she passed at the age of 100 in September.

She enjoyed the time she spent caring for and babysitting her grandchildren. She supported many and enjoyed helping anyone with their recovery from addiction. Taking them to their classes, group meetings, and interviews to get into Oxford Houses. She cared for everyone with an open heart. She had the biggest heart when it came to helping people. It always made her feel good.

Kathleen is survived by husband Harold “Butch” McDowell of Sweet Home; children Donna McDowell of Lebanon, David McDowell, Brian McDowell and his fiancée, Alicia Moyer—all of Sweet Home; brothers John, Bill, and Fred Markert and their families of Sweet Home, Tony Markert of Hillsboro; mother-in-law Rosella Koehler of Fillmore, California; sisters-in-law Louise McDowell of Utah and Janet Van Dersys of California; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Olga Markert, and father, Frederick Markert.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20, at The First Baptist Church in Brownsville.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.