Obituary of May Dowell

The family of May Dowell of Yorkton, beloved wife of the late George Dowell, sadly announce her passing on June 2, 2022. She was 83 years of age. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 11 at 1:00p.m., from Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant officiating. Memorial donations in memory of May may be made to a charity of one's choice as gifts of remembrance. May Elenore Dowell was born to William and Florence (nee Barney) Webb on January 4, 1939 at Pangman, Saskatchewan, the second youngest of 11 children. She lived on the family farm until the fall of 1945 when her parents moved into the nearby town of Amulet with the four youngest children. May was the valedictorian of the graduating class of Ogema High School in 1957. Shortly after graduation May joined the Royal Canadian Air Force training as a Leading Air Woman specializing in Identification. She met fellow serviceman George Leon Dowell at a ball tournament at the base in St. Sylvestre, Quebec. The couple were married on October 10, 1959 in Kentville, Nova Scotia. May was required to resign from the military once she became pregnant with their first daughter. Lorna was born while they were stationed at St. Denis, Quebec. From there the family moved to many posts including Barrington, Nova Scotia, then Gander, Newfoundland where Laura and Georgina were born. From there they moved to Brunswick, Maine, USA where Cathryn was born followed by St. Margaret’s, New Brunswick and Alsask, Saskatchewan where Shannon was born. The family settled for good in Yorkton, Saskatchewan in July of 1977. May had to run the household while George was posted for 2 years in the North West Territories to ensure the family would be able to remain in Yorkton. May stayed in the family home until the end of 2020 when she moved to the Jubilee Care Home in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. She enjoyed the friendship of other residents and staff and appreciated the care she received from the staff. May passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the Jubilee Care Home in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan surrounded by family at the age of 83. May was very involved in activities on the military bases, helping with winter carnivals, cooking for school events and potlucks. She also volunteered with bowling leagues, libraries, Brownies and Guides, and at the community pasture in Alsask. Once the children were older May began to work outside of the home. She held positions at Beaver Lumber, SAAN, SAAN for Kids and the Red Apple. She enjoyed working and visiting with customers and co-workers alike, frequently going to Tim Hortons for a visit with “the girls” after retiring. May’s first love was her family, she loved watching her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and hosting large family gatherings. She participated in many sports throughout her life and was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and knitting in her spare time. May was predeceased by her parents William and Florence Webb; husband George Dowell, sisters Dorothy Frank, Marjorie Huzina, Eileen Williams, Jenny Nelson and Kathleen Nesvold and brothers David Webb, Daniel Webb and Walter Webb. She leaves to cherish her memory five daughters; Lorna Bhardawaj of Oyen, Alberta, Laura (Bill) Wakabayashi of Saskatoon, Georgina (Ron) Schurko of Yorkton, Cathryn Bertrand (J.P. Lajoie) of Callander, Ontario and Shannon (Keith) Annala of Saskatoon; fourteen grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Also, brothers Tom Webb of Pangman, Saskatchewan and Ernie Webb of Salmon Arm, British Columbia and numerous nieces and nephews. Service Details. Interment Location: Yorkton City Cemetery Address: King St. East YORKTON, SK Service Location: Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Address: Highway #10 East YORKTON, SK Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of May Dowell January 4, 1939 - June 2, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book