Diane Stowell

It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to Diane "Dee" Stowell. She passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at the age of 69 years at her home in Crystal Lake.

Diane was born June 23, 1943 and raised in Iowa City, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa City High School in 1961 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree and Certificate of Dental Hygiene from the University of Iowa in 1965

Two weeks later she married the love of her life, James K. Stowell from Elgin, Illinois. They spent two years in Akron, Ohio and ten years in Decatur, Illinois before settling in Crystal Lake in 1978.

Diane then spent four years working as a Learning Center Aide at North Elementary School before returning to the dental field as a hygienist. During that period she worked for several Crystal Lake dentists. In 1994 she switched from the dental field to the medical field and worked as a Medical Receptionist for Crystal Lake Orthopedics and Sports Medicine until her retirement in 2004. After retirement she volunteered at Centegra McHenry for many years until her cancer diagnosis.

She often said her sons were her greatest achievements in life and her pride and love for them will live on in Dr. James B. Stowell of Lakeville, Minnesota and Dr. Jeffrey K. Stowell of Wingdale, New York. Her love and devotion to her six grandchildren were always her priority. Alexandra, Jonathan and Jacob Stowell of Minnesota and Casey, Kaylee, and Megan Stowell of New York were always most important in her life.

Diane was a member of the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, Woman's Fellowship, and served as a Stephen Minister. She was also a member of the Second Thursday Book Review Club. She enjoyed Bunko nights, Red Hat activities and birthday luncheons. She loved the sunshine, bike rides on Perico Island, Florida, and most of all long walks on her favorite Anna Marie Island, Florida beach.

Diane will most be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, David; and sisters, Joan and Jane.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her two sons, James and Jeffrey; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews all over the country.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, February 16, beginning at 11am at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St, Crystal Lake IL 60014-5772 or to Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Rd, Barrington, IL 60010-3141.

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