Obituary of Marsha Elaine McDowell

Marsha E. McDowell The sun set on Marsha E. McDowell, 75, of Cranston, RI on Monday February 15, 2021. Born in Providence, Marsha was the daughter of the late Donald and Ruth L. “Vinnie” (Baker) Dailey. She had been the wife of the late Peter H. McDowell. She was the mother of Kellie M. McDowell of Pawtucket, RI. Beside her daughter Marsha leaves to cherish her memory two brothers, Donald “Tonto” Dailey, Jr. of Pawtucket, RI and Wayne L. Dailey of Lexington, KY two sisters, Vanessa J. Dailey-Harris and her husband John Harris of Providence, RI and Tonette L. Dailey of Cranston, RI. She was the sister of the late Donna J. Dailey-Abdullah, Terri L. and Todd R. Dailey. Additionally, she leaves her life sisters, Natalie J. (Cain) Tunstall and her husband Gary of Menifee, CA, JoAnn A. McDowell of East Providence, RI, Winifred Craighead of Warwick, and Nancy Lopez of Cranston. Life brothers, Abel Lumba of East Providence, RI and Frank McDowell of Cranston, RI. Marsha retired from the State of RI in 2005 after 35 years of employment. For the last 28 years of her state employment, she served as the Chief Administrative Assistant for the State of RI Human Resource and Investment Council under the Directorship of Mr. Lee Arnold. Lee described Marsha as just a remarkable person, who was always even-keeled, kind and a person who he could always count on to handle any situation with skill and poise. He characterized her as not only a rock behind his success because there was nothing in their operations that she couldn’t respond to up to and including providing protection but also that she was a great friend whom his family came to appreciate as well. As we know Marsha’s car was RIPTA and Lee would always ensure Marsha could get to work when a bus wasn’t an option. Even in retirement Lee, Marsha and other team members get together to enjoy each other’s company and catch-up once or twice a year. Previous to joining the State, Marsha worked for Progress for Providence for many years which was located on the city’s West Side providing the same organizational administrative assistant support to this grass roots organization. Marsha enjoyed and loved life. Family was one of the most important aspects of her life. Besides her parents, Peter Mack and her daughter Kellie were the Loves of her life. She doted, nurtured and loved her each and every day. She didn’t stop there as she always shared her love with all her many nieces, nephews including greats on all sides of her family as well as cousins and friends. She loved to travel whether by cruise, train or car. Her best retreat was the yearly Martha’s Vineyard stay that she would plan with long-time friends and family because she so loved the tranquility of the island and the beauty of the ocean. Marsha grew up in Providence’s Codding Court located on the west side. She established and maintained long-term relationships with most all of her childhood friends and until the very day that the sun set on her she continued to nurture these relationships. With her kind, caring and positive nature once in her company you could not help but come back for more and her dry matter of fact humor always kept you laughing. Marsha was so loved by all of her family and friends. Her absence in the present will surely be felt by all……but remember……. “Every time you think of her, she will be right there in your heart!” A visitation will be held on Friday, February 26th, 2021, at the Truth Tabernacle Church, 542 Potters Avenue, Providence, from 10:00 am - 11:30 am, followed by a service. Entombment will take place at Swan Point Cemetery. Marsha's Service will be live streamed starting at 11:30 am from the Mount Pleasant Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/mountpleasantfuneral) Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed. For further information and condolences, please visit mountpleasantfh.com.