Stephanie (nee Taylor) McDowall

Stephanie McDowall, nee Taylor, (March 5,1943—November 3, 2023) was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. She was an avid daily reader and a critical thinker, who developed a passion for music and the great philosophers, writing, the arts, archaeology, history, and politics.

Stephanie had a natural talent for photography and an exceptional gift for the piano. She performed piano compositions beautifully such as, “Moonlight Sonata,” and others, with pensive, spacious deliberation and thoughtfully patient articulation. Her world was always filled with music and the sounds of Canada’s favourite Toronto CBC radio broadcasters.

From her favourites, like the music of Lebanon, to Pavarotti, The Three Tenors, Mozart, Beethoven, Gregorian chants, the Baroque, Reggae, Paco de Lucia’s Flamenco guitar, or serene Chinese flute to a Ravi Shankar Indian concert; appreciation and diversity of culture came forth from her home.

Stephanie had worked at Ontario’s Queen’s Park, and within the BC government over her lifetime and liked to discuss politics. Post-retirement as a dedicated social worker from BC’s Nanaimo and Vanderhoof ministry’s social service offices, she still worked on personal advocacy projects. She worked helping the vulnerable referred to her, such as the disabled, homeless, or single mothers within our community. She assisted others often at her own financial expense, and she did so for many years without expecting recognition.

As an Anglican, Stephanie visited the Bracebridge, Ontario, monastery on weekends, exposing her teenage children to strong spiritual values, celebratory music, and ethical reflective thought. She was a volunteer for some time at the local meal program the 7-10 Club, assisting Nanaimo’s homeless and vulnerable with other dedicated volunteers from the community.

She loved the rainforest moss, a walk near wilderness by the sea, a fresh vase of flowers, a good book, and was a supportive and kind friend to others. She additionally rescued and adopted unwanted dogs and cats from the BC SPCA.

Stephanie appreciated taking a sunshine break at local island beaches and liked to visit antique and quaint shops and bookstores. Her favourite restaurants like Asteras, Beefeaters, KFC, or the White Spot were a fun treat. She was always up for a restaurant meetup and hangout to discuss important political issues with favourite friends. If you had made it onto her email list, you were exposed to many fascinating articles, and she truly loved the political debates.

Stephanie was always immersed in provocative issues and reflective thought and inspired many with her educational research. She often broke tradition, extending the helping rules at her workplaces, that was no secret. Stephanie had once said that clients would often cry thanking her for the work she had done for them, and she was one of the hardest working, most forward-thinking social workers that we know of.

With Stephanie referred to recently as the “Mother Teresa of Nanaimo,” we have been so inspired by her kind and giving nature and personal inspiring social and advocacy work. We want to celebrate her with you, so please join us for the Celebration of Life and/or the Viewing and Prayers as led by the wonderful Reverend Susan Hermanson, we would love to see you.

Stephanie Anne McDowall’s Celebration of Life will take place Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC. The celebration will include music and will be live-streamed by video online via this link at St. Paul’s Anglican church: https://vimeo.com/event/3891284

Viewing and Prayers will take place at 1720 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo at First Memorial at 3 pm, Monday, November 20, 2023.

For anyone wishing to donate or gift flowers in memory of our mother, please reach out to our family.