Mary Dower

Mary Dower, 76, of Beaumont died with family by her side on Thursday, August 17, 2023, after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 21 years, Richard Dower.

Born on September 30, 1946, in Peoria, IL, she was the daughter of the late Estella (Boylan) Buck and the late Chester Rabold. Mary, known in her youth as Terrie, graduated from Richwoods High School in Peoria. She enrolled at MacMurray College, where she met her future husband, brought together by their shared love of music. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in music at College Misericordia in Dallas, PA, in 1989.

Mary devoted her professional career to higher education, starting at College Misericordia. She then dedicated more than 35 years to Keystone College, leaving an indelible mark upon everyone with whom she crossed paths. Mary held various roles including Human Resources Director, Assistant Director of Adult Admissions, Coordinator of Adult and Online Education, Virtual Campus Administrator, and adjunct faculty member. Recognized for her outstanding contributions and commitment to Keystone, Mary was honored as Administrator of the Year in 1998. To commemorate Keystone College's sesquicentennial celebration, she was recognized as a "150 Keystonian" for enriching the campus community. Her unwavering loyalty and dedication made her an invaluable resource to countless students, faculty, and staff.

Mary's other passions included acting, singing, and costuming at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville and Scranton Public Theatre. For over four decades, she shared her talents with her fellow actors and supporters of the arts in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mary will be remembered for her selfless nature and unwavering dedication to others. She always had a smile on her face, cared deeply about others, and expressed her thoughtfulness in many ways such as her handcrafted calligraphy cards for all occasions.

As was apparent to all who spent more than a moment with Mary, the proudest part of her life was her beloved son, Tom. He was her pride and joy, and they enjoyed a close bond that included their shared love of music.

Mary's family will forever cherish the memories created alongside their beloved mother, grandmother and cousin. She will be deeply missed at celebrations with her daughter-in-law's family, which welcomed her as one of their own.

She is survived by her son, Tom, and his wife Erin; grandchildren, Hannah and Zachary Dower, all of Silver Spring, MD; and extended family in the Midwest.

Family and friends are invited to attend Mary's Celebration of Life service which will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 4:00 PM from the Theatre in Brooks https://www.keystone.edu/venue/theatre-in-brooks/ at Keystone College, 1 College Rd, La Plume, PA 18440.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until the time of service at the Theatre.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Keystone College in La Plume, PA, (https://www.keystone.edu/); Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville, PA, https://www.musicbox.org/); or Scranton Public Theatre (https://scrantonpublictheatre.org/).