Barbara McDowell

Barbara Jane (Walker) McDowell, 91, of Brainerd, died Monday, March 2, 2020. Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11:00 am in the Woodland Care Center chapel, located at 100 Buffalo Hills Lane East, Brainerd, MN.

Barbara Jane (Walker) McDowell was born May 16, 1928 to Russell and Jessie (McNitt) Walker in Duluth, MN. Barbara graduated from Central High School in Duluth.  She attended Duluth Junior College. Barb graduated from the University of Minnesota Minneapolis with a degree in Journalism.

She was united in marriage to Robert D. McDowell on September 30, 1950. Barb earned a Master's degree in Library Science from Mankato State University. She worked as a Library Media Specialist for the Roseville Area Schools from 1970 to 1985 when she retired. Bob and Barb spent 30+ years as residents of Winter Haven, Florida, making their home at Carefree Country Club. Summers were enjoyed at Carefree in Big Lake, MN. In 2018, the couple moved to Woodland Senior Apartments in Brainerd, MN.

Barb is lovingly remembered by her family. She is survived by her husband, Robert; children and spouses, Julie (Bob) Despot, Rev. Russ (Becky) McDowell, Rob (Teresa) McDowell and Jane (Dave) McDowell-Johnson; grandchildren and spouses, (Luana) Despot, Carolyn (Tucker) Hansen, Marissa McDowell, Laura McDowell, Jadelyn (Todd) Trinko, Alexandra (Jordan) Zauner. Crawford McDowell and Christopher Johnson; great grandchildren, Triston Dunning, Rosabella and Sophia Trinko, Christina and Christopher Lawrence Despot, Ayla Hansen and Clara Zauner; sister in law Kay Kovanen and brother in law Donald Nelson; cousins, Rev. Paul (Stacy) Erdal, Lily Erdal and Claire Erdal; and Kristi Erdal and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Jessie Walker; infant sister Betty Jean; grandson Christopher Michael Despot; cousin “sister” Alyce (Rev. Norris) Erdal.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara Jane McDowell, please visit our Tree Store.