Martha McDowell

Martha (Jorgensen) McDowell, age 42 of Anchorage, Alaska, formerly of Osakis, died on Tuesday morning, May 4 at her home in Anchorage.
Martha Alice Jorgensen was born on September 22, 1967 to Paul and Mary Ellin Jorgensen. She attended Osakis High School and graduated with the class of 1986. She continued her education at the University of MN, Morris earning her bachelor's degree and then she moved to Pittsburg, PA to attend Carnegie Melon University. Here she obtained a master's degree in English and Music. Following college, Martha moved to Anchorage, AK and obtained a teaching certificate. After teaching at various locations, including Anchorage and Perryville, Martha met Paul McDowell. They were married on June 11, 1999. They made their home in Iliamna, AK. They have two children, Dakota and Dylan. Although they had moved back to Anchorage, Martha and Paul continued to own and operate a Bed and Breakfast called McDowells on Lake Iliamna. Martha had just recently obtained her administrative certificate to become a school principal. For the past year Martha has been home with her husband and children battling illness. She passed away peacefully May 4th with her husband by her side.
Martha is survived by her husband, Paul and her children, Dakota and Dylan McDowell of Anchorage; stepchildren, Devon, Darrin and Danea; her parents, Paul & Mary Ellin Jorgensen of Osakis; brother, David Jorgensen of Harding, MN, sister, Sara (Lonnie) Heffron of Carlos and nieces, Christi (Chad) Lorenzen of Alexandria, Melissa (Mathew) Mittag of Carlos, Kayla Heffron of Villard and Leann Heffron of Sante Fe, NM; her uncle and aunt, Bill and Judy French of Osakis; many cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Martha on Tuesday, May 11 at 3:30 pm at the West View Assisted Living Dining Hall in Osakis with Rev. Ron Calvert officiating. A gathering time will begin at 3 pm.