Gloria Jean McDowell
February 27, 1949 - November 25, 2024
Gloria Jean McDowell, age 75, of Freedom, PA, (formerly of Port Allegany, PA) passed away on
November 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of the late William H. & Irene V.
(Kotula) Clark, Gloria was born on February 27, 1949, in St. Mary’s, PA. She graduated from
Cameron County High School in 1967. On May 11, 1968, she married the love of her life, Philip G.
“Squeak” McDowell at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Emporium, PA.
Gloria is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, son Scott (Jennifer) McDowell of Pittsburgh,
PA and daughter Marcie (Troy) Shall of Clarion, PA; a brother, William (Debbie) Clark of
Coudersport, PA along with several nieces and nephews.
Though Gloria loved her yard sales, thrift store shopping, and being a social butterfly, her favorite
role was being Grammie to her four grandchildren Riley, Cooper, Zachary and Andrew. She
treasured her time with them and was their biggest supporter and cheerleader. Her grandkids
always knew she was in the stands with her famous “whoop-whoop!”
Gloria was a waitress for Ron’s Place in Port Allegany, PA for 16 years. She always welcomed the
customers with a smile and made many lifelong friends. In 1994, she joined Adelphia Cable in
Coudersport, PA, as a telemarketer, where she could put her gift of gab to the test. She finished out
her “working years” at the Hong Kong Dollar in Port Allegany.
She had a soft spot for her furry friends, treating each pet like a member of her family. She loved
and spoiled her dogs Brandy, Jazzy and Layla and cats Smokey, Alex, Zoey and Pumpkin.
Gloria was an active member of the Port Allegany Red Hat Society, Port Allegany Woman’s Club,
and the First Church of God in Eldred, PA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Mary I. Kitchen.
Gloria was the life of the party, and her smile could light up the room. She will always be
remembered for her generosity, giving spirit, her laughter, and her love of decorating her home for
each season and holiday!
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Freedom, PA and Port Allegany, PA. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made in Gloria’s memory to The Humane Society or Allegheny Health
Network Home Hospice Care.
We are so sorry. Prayers for peace and strength as you navigate the next few months and years without her.
Rest in Peace Gloria! Your loving spirit will shine on in those who love & cherish you!
Rest in Peace Gloria! Your loving spirit will live on in those who love & cherish you!
So very sorry you lost her. We’ll pray for the good Lord to give you strength and grace to get thru this time.
All of us have those people outside of our family that have such a big impact on our childhood, and Mrs. McDowell was certainly one of those for me, and for many others who lived in the neighborhood. It was a house where it was perfectly fine for “Jackie” to pull something out of the fridge to eat and where a knock wasn’t necessary since Brandy would announce your arrival. So very fortunate to have her, and all of the family, in my life.
My own children got to know her as we’d gather for birthdays and first communions, and they loved her for all the reasons that have been mentioned. May she rest in peace. We will all miss her.
Gloria, you meant so much to so many. To me you were a constant support ever since I was in high school. Her infectious humor and loving soul made for many beautiful conversations. Her daily support of messages and conversations during my son’s cancer speaks volumes of who she was!! Thank you Gloria for being such a beautiful soul, and enjoy the greatest love of all with Jesus!! May Jesus wrap his loving spirit around all whose hearts hurt without your presence.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your wife. May your precious memories give you peace.
Gloria was and remains a treasure. May she rest in peace. Her smile, her kindness and laughter will not be forgotten. My sincere sympathy to all her family.
Deepest condolences to the family. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Gloria at Ron’s.