Dorothy Jean 'Jeanie' Dowden

We humbly regret the passing of Dorothy Jean Dowden who died at the age of 82 years old on Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Toronto, OH, following a stroke and then gout, ultimately dying of a hemorrhage. 

She was fondly known as ‘Jeanie’ by her siblings.  Jeanie was born on June 8, 1940, in Bethany WV, Brooke County, at home as the second daughter to Homer Allen Dowden and Mary Shedkiac Dowden.

She will be greeted by her family in heaven: her father Homer (1910-1960), her mother Mary, (1919-1995), her brothers Thomas/Tommy (1937-1998), Robert/Bobby (1954-2010), Homer Jr (1942-2020), and her sister Mildred/Millie (1941-2001). Also, her paternal grandparents Percival/Percy and Bertha Horner­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ from Bethany, and maternal grandparents Steven and Julia Zurbinski Shedkiac of PA.  Many aunts, uncles and cousins will also embrace her there.

Jeanie leaves behind her oldest sister, Ruth Dowden Moyer of UT and Mary Ann Dowden Shaffer of PA, as well a half-sister Doris Roberts of PA. Of course, she leaves many shared childhood country memories.

Jeanie attended Bethany High School. As a teenager, she worked at the college town restaurant-The Beehive.  Most of her working career was at the American Legion Restaurant in Steubenville, OH.  This is where she met her dear friend, Ed Sembar, with whom she spent most of her adult life.  (Ed died in May 2020 in Toronto, OH). 

This wonderful daughter of the Heavenly Father was a true spirit that exemplified Christ-like service.  She was very compassionate, giving, and grateful for life.   We have witnessed her undying work ethic everywhere she went.  Despite her health issues, her service at the Food Pantry was well known. 

Jeanie enjoyed gardening, homemaking, and golfing with her friends.  She and Ed attended Sunday Catholic church services in Toronto.  Together they spent many winters in St Augustine FL, while visiting her brother Homer Jr and Myrtise.

Jeanie’s body will be cremated, and her ashes placed by her dear Ed in the family garden.  She requested that no special memorial services be conducted.  She will be dearly missed here on earth, as she continues her heavenly journey with her Savior Jesus Christ. 

Jeanie’s arrangements are in the care of the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. www.jefosterfh.com