Vilma McDowell

Vilma May McDowell passed away peacefully on Tuesday April, 26, 2016. She was born on October 11, 1934 in Lansing, Michigan to Isador and Ada McDowell. She grew up with her two sisters, Luella and Ida, in Lansing, Fowlerville and Alpena. She was a graduate of Alpena High School. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University in 1960 and her master's degree in reading from Michigan State University in 1966.

As a beloved teacher, Vilma worked with lower elementary students and as a reading specialist in Illinois, Lake Orion, Michigan and in the Lansing School District. She retired after a 42-year career, with 36 of those years in the Lansing School District. Vilma loved spending her time helping students find a passion and joy in reading. She also loved her beautiful backyard garden, watching the colors change with the seasons, collecting rocks as she traveled and spending time with her family.

Vilma is preceded in death by her mother and father, Ada and Isador R. McDowell, sisters Anna Lee McDowell, Ida McDowell-Poirier, Luella Berg, brother-in-law James Berg, nieces Lois Brethauer and Heather Berg, and nephew Clifford Beirschbach. She leaves behind Carol (niece) and Ken Miller, Calvin Brethauer (nephew), Phillip (nephew) and Christine Berg, great-nieces and nephews Jason Brethauer, Micaiah Filkins, Andrew and Holly Filkins, Hanna and Abigail Berg and great grand-niece Ida Filkins and great grand-nephew Jack Filkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 1:00 pm at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI, with The Rev. Drew Filkins officiating. The interment of her ashes will be Monday, May 16, 1:00 pm at Lakeview Cemetery, 4550 NE Torch Lake Dr., Central Lake, MI. Those desiring may make contributions in Vilma's honor can donate to Caring Pregnancy Center, PO Box 513, West Branch, MI 48661.