Donna Lowry

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Donna moved to Atlanta in 1985 to marry Richard Lowry. Ten months after marrying Ric, Donna was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and her battle to fight this disease began. As she learned to live with cancer, she became a support for others with this disease, holding the hands of those beginning chemotherapy, sharing her strength and giving them hope and courage. Donna became a voice for the development of an early screening test for ovarian cancer, telling her story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Northside Neighbor and at the dedication of the Ovarian Cancer Institute at Georgia Tech, founded by Dr. Benedict B. Benigno, her gynecologic oncologist.

Her incredible ability to fight this disease through numerous remissions stemmed not only from excellent medical care by Dr. Benigno, but from a positive attitude and ability to squeeze every ounce of joy out of each day. Never one to dwell on her disease, she often said “I have cancer – let’s move on”. And with that, she would put on her wig and go to dinner. She sought the humor in life and her infectious laugh was contagious. According to Ric, “Donna’s strength came from her deep faith in God and the continued support from priests, friends, family and the Christ the King parishioners. Our life together was simple but always full – working, partying, dinners with friends, trips and attending the weekly Vigil Mass at Christ the King.”

She concentrated her energies on her family, particularly husband Ric and the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Alex, Julianna, Devin and JD. Knowing life is short, she spent as much time as possible with them – playing basketball, going to the movies, shopping with Alex and just being with them was enough for her. Donna was a friend to all she met and, once you were her friend, you were one forever. Recently, she reunited with four of her high school girl friends after not seeing them for twenty years, picking up right where they left off.

Donna worked for Delta Air Lines for over thirty years in many different capacities. Her genuine caring for others made her a natural in the Reservation and Customer Service area, leading to executive assistant positions for most of her career. She traveled the world and realized her dream trip in 2008, going to Rome, Italy with Ric who was her steadfast rock, visiting the Vatican and seeing the Pope. According to Coworker Barbara Presley, “Donna loved Delta Air Lines. No matter how bad she felt during her bout with this horrible illness, you would never know - she worked so hard but kept a smile on her face and joy in her heart. After Donna was in Hospice care, she asked to speak with me; she was concerned about the many Delta Customers she had helped over the years and wanted to know, ‘who would help them now?’ – she wanted to know ‘the plan’. That is the kind of person she was - always caring about others. Donna assisted with the Delta Board of Directors, as well as in the President and CEO’s office. Donna will be remembered by all that had the opportunity to work with her. Her positive spirit cannot be replaced.”

As an extremely active member of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Donna volunteered as a Liturgy Coordinator and participated in training for lectors and ministers of Holy Communion in addition to many other involvements.

Survivors include husband Richard Lowry, daughters Meredith Vanni and Kathleen Causey, granddaughters Alexandria Causey, Julianna Causey, Devin Vanni and grandson Jason Daniel “JD” Vanni, as well as Nancy (half sister) and Kent Northcross, cousins, nephews and nieces in Arizona and California.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 1 pm on Saturday, February 12 at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Father Frank McNamee will be the principal celebrant. Since her body has been cremated, there will not be a wake service but the family will receive friends in Kenny Hall after the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can to be made in Donna’s name to the Ovarian Cancer Institute, 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30342 or to the Cathedral Fund, Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

Arrangements under the direction of H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill in Atlanta, GA.