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)
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ANEES AND FAREDA ZAKA
October, 13 2011
Dear Bruce and family, You are in our prayers and thoughts on daily basis. May the LORD Jesus Christ be near to you all in this time of need. Blessings.Patricia Dorr
August, 2 2011
I am so sorry for the loss the McDowell and Benthal families have experienced, as well as the many people Susan served and ministered to throughout her life. I am grateful that she is with the Lord, healthy and whole.girma paulos
July, 24 2011
Dr. McDowell, I am so sorry to hear the passing of your wife. I have not known her, but I have known you in the church for a long time and observed your life as being an exemplary and true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am sure you were equally yoked with wife, as I read her story. Isn't it grand to be christian, particularly in times like this. Because the Holy Spirit will allow us grieve like those who have no hope. May the love of God, the grace of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit with which you have pronounced benediction many a time in your serve, be with you and your dear family. Sincerely with christian love girmaDori & Jim Baggs
July, 21 2011
Susan's gentleness, sweetness and beautiful smile will always be remembered. She was really one of the kindest people we have ever met. Our prayers are with Bruce, Brooke, and Abby.Bob and Michele Jones
July, 21 2011
Dear Bruce, Brooke and Abby, We send our love and prayers for strength, peace and comfort at this difficult time. Reflect on what a kind, sweet and thoughtful person Susan was. We are so thankful that Michele and our girls got to spend some time with you all prior to Susan's going home. We will always remember her kind and uplifting words to us and her wonderful, radiant smile. May the Lord bless you.Bob and Claudia Christian
July, 19 2011
Dear Bruce, Brooke and Abby, Our prayers have been with you and your mom for so long. Now we know she is with the Lord. And may His peace be with you. Love, Bob and Claudia ChristianSharon Phillips
July, 15 2011
Dear Bruce, Brooke and Abby, Susan was a remarkable woman and I was always so touched by her love and kindness. I remember so much her fervor for the Lord and love for for others. I always felt so comfortable with her and she always made me laugh. The last time we were together in December for Staff wives was a very special time. I will never forget her resolve to joyfully submit to the Lord's will for her life and to glorify God in it all. We are holding you up in prayer as you grieve her loss and press on in God's strength. Psalm 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From when does my help come? My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. With much love in Christ, Sharon Phillips (For all the Phillips)Aaron and Nancy Messner
July, 13 2011
Dear Bruce, Brooke, and Abby, Our hearts are with you in these days of grieving a beautiful wife and mother, our friend, Susan. We are privileged to have shared in the gift of her earthly life. And, we are privileged to look ahead to the day we will share life with her again in the blessed home where there are no more tears. We are praying that the fountain that never runs dry will continue to fill you in these days. May the Lord's strength and hope fill you. We share in your tears...and are disappointed that we must do so at a distance. I will never forget the radiance of her spirit in these last days...her living and dying both changing me forever. I am privileged to be a witness to her life, and will carry her memory always. Our prayers are petitioning the Comforter on your behalf. love, Nancy and Aaron