Maryetta McDowell

Maryetta McDowell (nee McArthur) died peacefully at age 85 from pancreatic cancer on September 30, 2026, at home in Ottawa.

 

Born on 12 June 1941, Maryetta lived a full and active life, marked by her warmth, compassion, fierce spirit and sense of humour. Kind and curious by nature, she valued family and friends and embraced an active life. She enjoyed hiking, skiing, birdwatching, gardening, sailing and cycling. A voracious reader, she also loved to travel.

 

Maryetta completed her nursing education at the School for Nurses, Guelph General Hospital, in 1962. She devoted her professional life to nursing and concluded her career in 2001 as a nurse in the Dialysis Unit at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

 

Family was at the centre of Maryetta’s life. She is remembered by her husband Hugh McDowell; her daughter, Anne MacLeod; her son, Mike McDowell; her son-in-law, Bryan MacLeod; her daughter-in-law, Tammy Salway; and her grandchildren, Emma MacLeod, Connor MacLeod, Fiona MacLeod, Dylan McDowell and Liam McDowell.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, 10 October, from 2–4 p.m. at the Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Avenue, Ottawa (Nepean), inside Dick Bell Park on the Ottawa River. All are welcome.  

 

Maryetta never wanted a fuss.  In lieu of flowers, please simply do something kind for someone who needs it.