Muriel "Penny" Dowell

Muriel "Penny" Mildred Dowell, 83, of Chincoteague Island, formally of Delaware County for over 50 years, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 10, 2025. 

She was born in Philadelphia, PA, on June 23, 1941, to the late George and Natalie McLaren.

She attended West Catholic High School and then Penn State, acquiring various certificates and degrees.  Muriel worked as a Caregiver for Elwyn Institute for 35 years.

After retiring, she became an ombudsman, a voice for the rights of quality care for others. After moving to Chincoteague Island full-time, she volunteered at the wildlife refuge.

Muriel had many passions. She loved to garden, travel, visit neighbors, enjoy nature, the beach, music, the theater annex, and the chess club, and above all, she loved all animals.

She also had many wonderful life experiences, some of which included modeling for Revlon and singing and dancing on "American Bandstand."

Muriel was a caregiver/instructor and a member of many missionaries.

Muriel is survived by her four children, Christine, Kenneth, James, and Doreen; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

 She was preceded in death by her parents: first husband Clyde and second husband Bernard.

Service will be held at 1 pm on  Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley, VA.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, 26528 Lankford Highway, Onley, VA 23418, or Riverside Home Health Hospice, P.O. Box 615, Onley, VA 23418.

Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island, VA. Online condolences can be given at www.salyerfh.com.

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