Susana Luisa McDowell

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Susana “Sue” McDowell Gutierrez

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Sue McDowell, who left us unexpectedly on June 23rd at the age of 67. Tragically, Sue passed away at home, peacefully and by herself. While her departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives, we find solace in the beautiful memories she has left behind. Sue was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose presence touched the lives of many.

Sue was born on January 2, 1956, in Shreveport, Louisiana to her parents Armand Gutierrez and Pauline Hoffman Gutierrez. Sue is survived by her children, Richard Lopez (Alexus Dailey), and Alex Lopez (Melissa); granddaughters, Aviana, and Capri Lopez; siblings, Maria Albright (Pat Noll), Paul Gutierrez (Mary Ellen), Margaret Rose (John), Patrick Mitchell (Tami), and John Gutierrez (Kathleen). She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry McDowell; Parents Armand and Pauline Gutierrez; and brothers Eddie Gutierrez and Armand Gutierrez.

As a mother, Sue was a source of unconditional love and boundless affection to her two sons. Their joy and happiness were her highest priority, and she instilled in them the values of compassion, kindness, and resilience. Sue bragged on her sons every chance that she got to everyone she knew. Sue took immense pride in her role as a grandmother, doting on her two granddaughters.

Sue had a unique way of spreading love and joy. She had a fondness for handwritten cards, meticulously crafting each one with care and affection. Whether it was a birthday, anniversary, or a simple “thinking of you” note her words brought warmth and happiness to the recipients’ hearts. Her thoughtful gestures will forever be treasured by those fortunate enough to have received her beautiful cards.

Sue graduated from the University of Texas Arlington with a degree in Education and pursued a career in teaching. There was nothing she loved more than teaching her students. She kept in contact with students she had over 20 years ago. Whenever we ran into a former student they would always show deep love Sue for the kind and compassionate teacher that she was.

Sue always encouraged her sons and others to read as it was by far her favorite pastime, and she always had peace knowing she would be happy as long as she had a good book to read.

She was a loving member of La Prada Church of Christ, Mesquite, Texas

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Sue’s honor to RIF.org, a charity that distributes books to children in need.