Sally Lou McDowell

Sally Lou McDowell, 94, passed away January 18th, 2026. She was born on February 7, 1931 in Youngstown OH. to Whitey and Lucille Huff.

After graduating from Sharon High School, PA. Sally and her family moved to Ada, OH. where she attended Ohio Northern University. ONU is where Sally met the love of her life, Johnny, marrying on August 18, 1952, then sharing their lives together for 74 years. Upon Johnny's graduation they moved to Kenmore where he joined the family business, McDowell's Pharmacy. The couple welcomed four children into their lives, and the adventures began. Sally was a classic beauty with a flair for style and elegance, creating beautiful spaces in our home and surroundings, as well as being an artist, seamstress, gardener, great cook and knitter. Sally loved to make our school dance bouquets with wildflowers from around our home. Our parents enjoyed playing cards, hosting their friends and dancing to swing music whenever the beat moved them.

In Sally's professional life, she was employed in retail, real estate and design. Her favorite position was with Bootie's Dry Goods, Peninsula, OH. as a buyer, designer and visual merchandiser.

In service to her community Sally volunteered at The Florence Crittenton Home and was a member of the Akron Pharmaceutical Women's Auxiliary.

Sally loved to travel to the beach, NYC and abroad, especially to visit her adult children. Our mother cherished when her family was all together, creating special memories for all of us!

Sally was preceded in death by her husband Johnny, parents, sister-in-law Jane (Art), and son-in-law Kenny.

Sally is survived by her brother Kirk; her children, Lizabeth (Mike), Allyson, Kyle, and Heidi (Frank); grandchildren, Jesse (Jackie), Anna (Dan), Daniel (Melissa), Rebecca, Hannah (Dylan), Molly (Joe) and Nathan; great grandchildren, Jude, Finn, Ryker and Reid.

We are appreciative of the many dear friends throughout our mother's life and thankful for the care and support of Pleasant Point, Pleasant View and Elara Caring.

A Celebration of Life for our parents, Sally and Johnny, will be held: Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 12:30pm - 2:30pm at the CVNP Ledges Shelter, 701 Truxell Rd. Peninsula, OH 44264 In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Akron Art Museum in memory of Sally Lou McDowell.