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Pearl E. Lowe
Pearl E. Fousek Lowe, 99, formerly of Mexico, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009.
She was born on May 23, 1910, in Sturgis, South Dakota. On June 3, 1935, she married William Stewart Lowe who preceded her in death.
She is survived by three daughters, Barbara Rynearson, Glenwood Springs, CO, Margie Lowe-Francis (Merrill), San Gabriel, CA, and Jennifer Prouty (Lewis) of Mattapoisett, MA; eight grandchildren, Robert Sanner (Joanne), Denver, CO, DeDe Marshall Lambert (Steve), Laytonsville, MD, Cheryl Sanner Strawn (Steve) and Stewart Sanner, Columbia, Elizabeth Schmidt Saldebar, San Marino, CA, Laura Schmidt Pacchini (Davide), San Francisco, CA, Hilary Prouty Vineyard (Sam) and Richard Lewis Prouty (Maureen) of Mattapoisett, MA; eight great-grandchildren, Kathleen, Jesse, Samantha, Jordan, Lauren, Lindsay, Margot and Alessandro.
Mrs. Lowe attended Northwestern University, Evanston, IL for one year, and then transferred to Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD. She was an honors graduate in 1932, with a degree in education. While there she was active in student affairs, dramatics and art, and in her senior year was elected homecoming queen. Following graduation, she taught English and Art in the elementary school system of Flandreau, SD. During this time she met the football and basketball coach, William Lowe, whom she later married.
The Lowe family moved from Connecticut to Mexico in 1949. Mr. Lowe joined the A.P. Green Refractories Company in July of that year and served as president and CEO until his retirement in 1974. Mrs. Lowe valued her role as his wife and was an integral part of his success through her support and loyalty. She often gave dinners in their home for visiting national and international business leaders.
Mrs. Lowe's talents and interests were broad and varied. Together with her husband she traveled extensively, initially for business reasons and later for the joy of discovery. Always reading and learning about the areas they explored, she and her husband would plan fascinating adventures to the far corners of the world. Favorite countries were South Africa, China and Tibet, where they visited several times, and her knowledge of these countries was extraordinary. She had an impressive snuff bottle collection from her travels and could recite details of how she acquired each one. Her interests were reflected in her role as curator of exhibits for the Audrain County Historical Society. Though she loved to travel, she also loved her home. She had a flair for interior design as well as ceramics and stenciling. Her landscaping expertise resulted in beautiful gardens where one could find her planting and pruning throughout the summer. She was especially proud to have passed along this passion to her children.
She loved reading and Wednesday Club, which met monthly, was a part of her life for many years. Sewing Club and Anodyne provided opportunities to connect with friends. Other community activities were Girl Scouts, where she was a leader and the Audrain Medical Center Auxiliary, where she served as president in 1966. She and Mr. Lowe were active members of the First Christian Church, serving in a variety of capacities.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 26, at Elmwood Cemetery with Rev. David Nash officiating. There will be no visitation. Pickering Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
The family suggests memorials be given to First Christian Church, Audrain County Historical Society, or Community Nurse and Hospice Care of Fairhaven, Mass., they may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265. |
