Elizabeth J. Dowell

It is with a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Elizabeth J. Dowell (Lund). She passed on August 22, 2025 due to her long-term battle with Alzheimer’s. The disease affected her deeply and took tremendous emotional and cognitive abilities away from her far too early. Her family is gaining some comfort that she is no longer suffering and can be with two of her closest friends in heaven, Buddy Grooten and Nona Lund.

Beth's light was so bright which made her a star everywhere she went and allowed her to create friendships all over the country. Her smiles where beautiful, her laugh was contagious, her love was endless, and her friendships lasted a lifetime.

She graduated Elkhart Memorial High School in 1979 and we met the Winter of 1985 as a result of several chance connections which was God's way of making sure we were put together. I have always felt that He knew this Angel would take special care. On February 28, 1987 so our adventure began after we were married and have stayed so since her passing this year. On September 30, 1987 she gave birth to our first child, Chelsea, which was also the first grandchild for my family. We then had our second child, Madi, on January 16, 1989 and our great adventure was off and running.

While the early years were full of challenges, we stayed committed to achieving the adventure we sought for the family. The adventure took us all over the country, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and beyond which created endless stories of challenges overcome, smiles generated, and created memories we hold so dear today. I was specifically proud to be able to make one of her dreams come true when we took our trip to Italy where she heard Ave Maria played in Venice on the canal. Brought her to tears.

Beth's adventure was unique and guided by her incredible creative talents. She became very accomplished with her art and the very unique gifts she would make for friends and family are still held dearly. She became an exceptional decorator because of this robust creative side. Christmases caused her light to shine even brighter as she took great care in decorating the tree (we were not allowed to touch it) and the endless hours she would dedicate to wrapping and decorating each gift. But her greatest passion was the ability to turn "junk" she had found at antique or resale shops into very interesting art pieces. She became very well known in Elkhart and Niles by the shop owners who were drawn to her passion and my bonuses I think.

While creativity was one of her most incredible gifts it was her passion for making every engagement she was involved in better for those in her presence. Beth's contributions to the family were cut short but those she made will be with us forever.

Beth is survived by her husband Dan; Chelsea, Paul and Henry Hart; Wes, Madi, Walker Slayton, her loving sisters and brother Sue Richmond, Kim Bennett, and Gary Lund. We will be scheduling a Celebration of Life this coming Spring in the Michiana area.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking you make donations to the Alzheimer's Association (by clicking HERE) which benefits Alzheimer’s research and care. 

Our thoughts, thanks, and prayers to those who helped her with her adventure and were a part of her story through the light you help radiate. If you so desire you can leave a story for the family to read.

Care entrusted to Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation - 2209 Delaney Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403 910.769.1615