Althea 'Tia' McDowell, member of Delaware Bar
Althea E. McDowell, 'Tia,' after a prolonged and heroic battle with multiple sclerosis, passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at age 51. Despite total paralysis, Tia remained mentally alert throughout her struggle with MS. She was an inspiration to all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Tia was a graduate of Eastern College in 1985 and received her law degree from Villanova Law School in 1989. She was a proud member of the Delaware Bar and started her legal career at the then named Georgetown law firm of Sergovic and Ellis. Living in Lewes, Tia was able to be close to the ocean and rode her bike over miles of Sussex County roads.
After moving to Wilmington for medical reasons, Tia was employed by the Community Legal Aid Society in the Disabilities Law Program. She later worked at the University of Delaware as the disability coordinator and among her accomplishments was securing seating for those with disabilities at the university's football stadium.
Tia was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Aumeda McDowell; her adoptive maternal grandparents, Otho and Mary Rice; and her beloved brother, Rodney McDowell. Although completely disabled, Tia was never alone. She was cared for by the wonderful staff at the Mary Campbell Center for almost 14 years before spending her last year at Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek where she also received compassionate care. Her guardian, Charles Oberly, and best friend, Lynne Parker, were always at her side over the years. The entire Oberly and Parker families have loved and cherished their time with Tia and will forever miss her.
Tia leaves behind her two greatest loves, her godchildren, Sam and Tia Oberly. Sam and Tia meant everything to "Big Tia." Frequent visitors, she loved Sam and Tia with all her heart, and she was able to attend Sam's Bar Mitzvah in September. Big Tia was their Hanukkah patron, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and Halloween maestro. She loved them, and they loved her.
Tia leaves behind too many friends to name them all. Certain friends, however, deserve recognition. Dr. Lanny Edelsohn, the most compassionate neurologist one could have who treated, cared for, loved, and regularly visited Tia; Cindy Irwin, her nurse at Mary Campbell who became her trusted friend and confidant; Nona Smolka, her friend who assisted in bringing Tia's book, "Honey From the Weed" into fruition; Eunice Pryor, a regular visitor who became part of Tia's inner circle; Sandra Davis, another faithful visitor who generously gave her time to be with Tia; Candice Scherbok, a friend who gave Tia her favorite cat picture that hung on her wall and who traveled a great distance to say goodbye; Bill, Peggy and Jamie Jones, relatives from Waynesboro, Pa., who visited and loved her; Joanne Kamali, Tia's classmate at Eastern, husband Richard, and daughter Althea (named after Tia), who were able to visit from Hawaii and who sent her leis that were with Tia while under hospice care; Debbie Gottschalk, a friend who was frequently by her side; Lynn O'Donnell and Chris Long, long-time friends with Tia; and Justice Randy Holland, who Tia admired and who visited with her over the years. Lastly, Seasons Hospice must be thanked for the care and attention given to Tia and her family and friends. Everyone who knew Tia has been touched by her strength, courage and selflessness over the years. While Tia will be missed, her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A memorial service to celebrate Tia's life will be held at the Mary Campbell Center, 4641 Weldin Road, Wilmington, Friday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in the name of Althea McDowell can be made to the Mary Campbell Center.
