Susan Dowis

Susan Elizabeth Hering Dowis died on Wednesday, June 6th at Riverside Hospital in Columbus after a brave and exhausting battle with breast cancer. She lived to attend her son’s high school graduation on June 2nd. She was 55.

She was born November 9th, 1956 in Mansfield. She graduated from Malabar High School in 1975 and Bowling Green State University in 1979. She pursued a career as a medical technologist, including employment at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach and most recently as the lead blood bank tech at Ashland Samaritan Hospital. She loved the challenge of her job, and considered Ashland co-workers to be part of her family.

Sue loved shopping (but not always buying), decorating her home for the holidays, traveling, attending concerts and spending time at “the cottage” on Lake Erie. Along with her parents and son, she was an avid University of Michigan fan.

She is survived by her children Jillian Dowis of Orlando and Max Dowis of Mansfield (Max considered her “the best mom in the world”). She also is survived by her parents, John and Lucille “Tootie” Hering of Mansfield, her sister and brother-in-law, Linda Hering and Richard Otto, and their children Liz and Heidi Otto. In addition, Sue is survived by her very good friends, Kathy Ryan and Toni Ridenour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund.

Celebrations of her life for friends, family and co-workers will be held at a later date at the home of her sister and at Ashland Hospital.