Susan Ann McDowell
Susan Ann McDowell
February 20, 1954—July 1, 2011
Susan (Benthal) was called to be with the Lord from Philadelphia, PA after battling breast cancer for over two years. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to David William Benthal, Jr. and Julie Ann (Schuster). Her family moved various times in the mid-West until she came to Radnor, PA her senior year of high school. That year she was introduced to the gospel by Young Life and was discipled by their staff. She majored in sociology at Gordon College (1977) and then worked as the office manager for the Department of Urology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for ten years. As her daughters went to Spruce Hill Christian School, she served as a volunteer in 1990, on the board and then the staff as an administrator, eventually becoming Director of Advancement. She had a leading role in the merger of SHCS with City Center Academy to a successful conclusion.
Upon arriving to Philadelphia from Gordon she immediately began attending Tenth Presbyterian Church which she joined as her first and only church. There she served on the steering committee that organized Alpha Pregnancy Center, with Tenth International Fellowship, nursery, pastors’ wives group, home Bible studies, occasionally speaking to groups, and often provided hospitality. She also served for a short time on the Tenth Church support staff. Susan was enthusiastic about Global Outreach, especially what Tenth was involved with in the Middle East.
On May 28, 1983 Susan married Bruce Allen McDowell, after meeting at Tenth Church the previous year. They were married by Dr. James M. Boice at Tenth Church. Blessed with two daughters, Brooke Ann (1986) and Abby Grace (1989), she nurtured them to love and serve the Lord. Susan invested in many loving relationships and her home as a priority as her way of serving the Lord.
Besides dedication to her family, church, and work, Susan was a gardening, cooking, photography, and interior design enthusiast. She also loved to travel around the world with her husband and children. As late as six weeks before her death she traveled with family and friends to see the Grand Canyon.
Susan is survived by her husband, daughters, parents, and siblings Dan, John, Mary, and Rick.
A memorial service will be held at Tenth Presbyterian Church, 17th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, July 23 at 11:00 am. Dr. Philip G. Ryken, president of Wheaton College, will be officiating. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. Flowers may be sent to Tenth Church, 1701 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Memorial gifts may be made to Spruce Hill Christian School/City Center Academy, 4115 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104; or to “Asia Minor Partners” for church development in the Middle East with gifts made out to “Tenth Presbyterian Church,” 1701 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103; or towards planters for the front of Tenth Presbyterian Church designated “Susan McDowell memorial planters.”
Thank you to all the family, friends, and Penn medical personnel who have been so supportive.
“Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. …I trust in the LORD. I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul.” (Psalm 31:5, 6b, 7)
Obituary author information:
Sign Guest Book
Easy in two steps
Lasting Legacies
Why pay for newspaper obituaries, online obituaries or death notices when you can post a free obituary online with ObituariesFree.com. We invite you to post a free obit or leave an online memorial, lasting legacy or loving tribute for a loved one. ObituariesFree.com also allows friends and family to search obituaries and leave comments on the obituary Guest Book. You can also find a local funeral home and order sympathy flowers online. Thank you for visiting ObituariesFree.com We welcome your feedback.
Elena Loftus
July, 12 2011
Dear Abby and Family I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you and your family can find peace in your loss. I am sure that your Mom is looking down on you and will always be there as a guide. Her story was very touching she led a very serving life. I miss seeing you Abby and your smile. Love ElenaPearl B. Simpson
July, 11 2011
It is evident that Susan dedicated her life to the needs of others. She demonstrated her faith as an humaintarian and devoted Christian throughout her life. May God bless Susan and may God bless us all.Sam Santamaria
July, 9 2011
Dear Bruce, Brooke, and Abby: Our thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength from the Lord are meant for you. I have pleasant memories with Susan and you while participating in your ministry with international students in the late 1980s. Allowing my brothers and I to join in many activities and in producing a newsletter for the students had given me opportunities, albeit briefly, to interact with Susan. It is her calm demeanor that I particularly remember. Sam, Sandy & Adrienne SantamariaJeannine Jordan
July, 8 2011
I want to offer my condolences to the whole McDowell family. I love each and every one of you. I am happy that I had the pleasure of caring for Mrs. Mcdowell. She was a very sweet person. God bless!!Neal Semanision
July, 6 2011
Dear Bruce, You and Susan invested in our lives through the International Dinners at Tenth. That was the beginning of my journey in missions. I am saddened by your loss but full of praise that Susan is now in the presence of our Lord. By the power of Christ in her countless lives have been blessed. Thank you. Neal Semanision, AustraliaMark and Abigail Green
July, 6 2011
Dear Bruce, Brooke and Abby, You are daily in our prayers. May the Lord sustain you through your grief and loss. Much love, Mark and AbigailJanice and Bob Rankins
July, 6 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort all of you as only He can.Veronica Vance
July, 5 2011
May the comfort of God keep you and your family as Susan rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord. My prayers are with the McDowell and Benthal families.Judy Lee
July, 5 2011
Dear Bruce, Brooke, and Abby, I am praying for each of you that the spirit of Christ would give you peace and comfort. I will never forget how much love and care Susan gave me as a friend and sister in Christ. She also led me to grow as a mature Christian. Your family has been very special to me in many ways. Love with your familyCarroll Wynne
July, 5 2011
Legacy of a godly woman and friend. Love and prayers with Bruce and the girls as well as with the McDowell and Benthal familiesColleen McCormack Stastny
July, 5 2011
My prayers are with the Benthal and the McDowell families. Sue was my cousin and just one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege to know. May you find comfort that she is with God now and back home.Paul David Tripp
July, 5 2011
Bruce, Brooke and Abby, Today and in the days to come, may you know God's presence and the peace of heart that he alone can give. It is good to know that in God's plan there will be a day when death will die and sad moments like these will be no more. We are praying for each of you.Joe and Arlita Winston
July, 5 2011
Our love for Susan is deep. We thank God for her and for being a part of her fruitful and joyous life! She brought joy, laughter, vision, and beauty wherever she went, and left us all the richer. Thank you, God, for loaning her to us! And now may His everlasting arms hold you, as a family, even closer to Himself. We love you! Joe and ArlitaGlenn McDowell
July, 4 2011
Susan is an amazing woman who now rests from the hard, unjust and disappointing sides of life in which she made a big difference for what is good and beautiful. Now she'll capitalize on her relational gifts to bond in deep friendships with those who preceded her - both the famous and obscure; she'll design and nurture flower beds in gardens undreamt of here. She'll organize dinner parties that earthly kings would die for. Her absence leaves a hole in my life- she not only loved me well as her brother-in-law, but she was willing to challenge me to continue to grow in so many needful ways. She loved Connie as a dear friend. She loved our four children in ways that help shape who they are the rest of their lives. Can't wait to see you again!Judith Winter
July, 4 2011
Dear Bruce, It is with deep sorrow we express our condolences on Susan's passing from this life. We rejoice however in know that she is safe with the Lord and you and your family will see her again. May this time be special for you and your family as you share special memories of Susan. In Christ, Judy WInter on behalf of Jeff and I