Even at the hospital you would open your eyes and look annoyed when I did that to you. Where to start? You were so funny. Your team at The Moments regaled Katie, Andy, and I with time after time when you just ripped loose a zinger or one liner that would be both shocking and hilarious. You used to leave the funniest voicemails on my phone - “How’s my girl doing? I mean Zelda, not you. Ruff ruff!” not realizing that voicemail wasn’t like the speaker phone of old answering machines and Zelda (my dog) did not hear them. You LOVED a bargain. And a sale. And a freebie. I swear there was not person giving away samples at Costco that you were not friends with. “I took care of them once” was a phrase we heard a lot.

Which brings me to your other life’s work - being a nurse. You were a nurse for 48 years. You didn’t pick easy work but the hard stuff - Emergency rooms, Intensive Care Units, Coronary Care Units. I later would hear from many doctors how you were an example of hard work and care during their residencies. You preceptored and taught so many people while taking care of others at their worst. You always helped your teammates and worked so,so many long shifts.

You were deceptively sneaky at times. Returning things to stores where we did not buy them. You talked a gate agent into checking 4 suitcases for free for me when I was an exchange student to Russia. You signed up for free trials to watch a tv show and then canceled immediately before being charged. If you could get a free bottle of wine, a free drink or coupon to use, you were delighted.

You were kind. You were always generous with our friends, welcoming them into the family, hosting them for holidays, finding them crashing overnight on weekends. You always wanted to help. You aggressively managed everyone else’s health (but your own). You loved sending and receiving cards. In fact in any store or gift shop, you made a beeline to the card section, and would hoard cards to send “just the right one” to the right person.

Speaking or the right person, you really loved your family and friends. You loved getting together with people, especially your family and those with whom you were close. You were especially delighted by your granddaughter Everly. You lit up anytime you saw her or heard her voice. You loved giving gifts and loved watching others open the presents you bought.

You were generous, and funny, and worked so so hard. Andy, Katie, and I will miss you SO much just like your brother, your sister, and your friends will miss you too. When Katie and I held your hand last evening and looked at the time, “You don’t want to miss happy hour, Mom, and so many friends and family are waiting.”

We love you Mom.

Mary Ellen Dowdy Chittenden

December 18, 1947 - September 12. 2025

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