Susan Lynn “Sue” (Pascoe) Dowdell, age 67, of Ithaca, formerly of Alma and St. Louis passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026. Sue was born on November 10, 1958, in Alma, Michigan, the daughter of William “Bill” Pascoe Jr and Natalie (Ward) Pascoe.
To know Sue was to know someone with a caring heart. In the nursing field, she dedicated herself to going above and beyond to help others, but her compassion extended far beyond any profession. Caring for people was not simply the work she did—it was who she was. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She loved her friends and family; they could do no wrong in her point of view. She was always there to welcome them all with open arms. Once she took you in, there was no getting rid of her!
On July 18, 2010, Sue married Terry James Dowdell, and together they shared many happy years filled with love, laughter, family, and friendship. Sue and Terry enjoyed attending VFW conventions together, traveling, and making memories with friends wherever they went. They were active in all aspects of VFW. Sue served in the Auxiliary and Terry served as his District’s Commander and his Post’s Commander during their marriage.
Sue absolutely loved playing pool and bowling. She was an active league player who loved both the competition and the camaraderie that came with the games, even bringing home some trophies over the years. The friendships she built around these events became some of the most treasured relationships in her life, and many knew Sue best through all the things she loved so much.
Sue also enjoyed gardening and tending her flower gardens, playing bingo, going to the movies, making (or buying) tasty snacks, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, fishing, camping, antiquing, and attending baseball games. One thing about Sue no one could ever deny: she knew how to party! She appreciated life’s simple pleasures and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. No matter the occasion, Sue had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for.
Sue was an extremely diligent workaholic. She would work three or four jobs because she simply loved staying busy. She earned every welding certification, grew up as an auto mechanic in her father’s gas station (“Bill’s Sunoco” in St Louis), as well as earned every medical coding and billing certification; among many other skills. She was truly a jack of all trades!
Many will remember her for her love of bartending. She worked for many years at Breckenridge’s “Other Place” and “The Friendly” in St. Louis, forming more local friendships than can be counted.
Another passion she had was for her love of music. She always wanted to be a professional singer! She would listen to her favorite music and sing her heart out, (in private of course). She would even go so far as to figure out all the lyrics to her favorite songs, (writing them down if need be) so she could sing the songs correctly. This was something she most definitely passed on to her sons David and Bill.
Sue is survived by her husband, Terry Dowdell of Ithaca; her sons, David Syckle II of Alma and William “Bill” (Chloe Sheler) Syckle of Alma. Stepchildren: Nathan (Jennifer) Wonch of St. Louis; Terry Dowdell Jr. of Greenville, Brian (Denise) Dowdell of Saginaw, Stacie (Bill) Dillon of Greenville, Teela (Marvin) Hawkins of Alma, Destiny (Drew) Vugteveen of Coopersville, and stepdaughter Leanne Obersig of Orlando; 19 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters Marge (Al) Hulwick of Fife Lake and Krystal Lott of Harrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sue is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Vernell K Marshall II; and her sisters, Judy Wilson and Carol Boerma.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life Sunday, June 28, 2026 beginning at 4 P.M. at the St. Louis VFW Post Hall, 1295 W. Monroe Rd St. Louis, MI 48880. Instead of flowers, we are accepting donations to assist in paying for expenses. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
