McDowell, Lucinda
Lucinda Secrest McDowell (May 23, 1953 - March 23, 2023) died peacefully surrounded by her family after a month-long journey with cancer. She leaves a legacy of serenity and strength and although the quantity of her years were cut short, the quality of them was filled to the brim.
The middle daughter of Pratt and Sarah Secrest, Lucinda was born and raised in Thomasville, Georgia. She graduated early from Thomasville High School, where she went on to Furman University in North Carolina to study English and would later earn her Masters of Theology at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston. Her first professional experiences included being a Missions Pastor in Menlo Park, California, where she met her husband Mike, a Radio Broadcaster & Producer in Asheville, NC. In 1991, they settled in Wethersfield, CT, and she served as the Director of Caring Ministries at First Church of Christ. She was also a familiar face at Wethersfield High School where she would substitute teach periodically. Her biggest passions were speaking and writing, and she became an award winning author of 15 books and contributing author of over 30+ books.
Most importantly, Lucinda, known by her loved ones as Cindy, was a woman of faith, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend, and mentor. She and her husband Mike McDowell were soon to celebrate 39 years of marriage and their greatest joy was raising their four children and nurturing their unique gifts. She was always the first to offer an encouraging word, and it was her mission to communicate God's faithfulness, extend His grace, and encourage others to trust him fully. She loved learning the origin of words, tea parties, good books, laughing with friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, and musical theater. Lucinda was the co-director of reNEW: a retreat for New England Writing & Speaking, and a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA. She loved to mentor budding authors as well as new moms. She also volunteered for many years with the Special Olympics.
Cindy is survived by her husband Michael McDowell of Wethersfield, CT, her aunts Carol Hasty Singletary of Thomasville GA, and Rebecca Hasty Boswell (Bill) of Hendersonville NC; sisters Cathy Secrest Ray (Hank) of Phoenix AZ, and Susan Secrest Waters (Glen) of Thomasville, GA; children Justin McDowell of Wethersfield, CT, Tim McDowell of Bozeman, MT, Fiona McDowell (Tim Karpoff) of Larchmont, NY and Maggie Stallings (Stephen) of Bronx, NY, and grandchildren Saoirse, Hugh, and Abram Karpoff and Thomas Stallings. There will be a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 at First Church of Christ, 250 Main St., Wethersfield. Everyone is invited to meet directly at the church. A livestream link of the service will be available at www.firstchurch.org. Visitation is Friday, April 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Memorial gifts may be given to First Church of Christ, Wethersfield or Connecticut Special Olympics at www.support.specialolympics.org in lieu of flowers. Family and friends are invited to visit her online tribute page at www. desopofuneralchapel.com