Mary Elisa McDowell

Mary Elisa Rohn McDowell passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

She was affectionately known as "Mimi" to her family and friends.

Mimi was born February 6, 1932 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

While attending Rollins College she met her first husband and moved permanently to Winter Park, Florida to work and raise her family.

In the mid-sixties, Mimi held a groundbreaking role of working with WMFE-TV Channel 24, instructing visual arts lessons, which were broadcast to kindergarten and elementary school classrooms.

She went on to work as a visual arts instructor at Edgewater High School and Hungerford High School.

She eventually returned to Rollins College and earned a Masters Degree in Psychology and Counseling. Mimi then worked as a guidance counselor at Oakridge High School, Winter Park High School and Winter Park Tech until her retirement.

Along the way she met the love of her life, Wade Edward McDowell. They married at the Maitland Art Center and lived happily until Wade's passing in 1997. Mimi was an artist and infused creativity into every aspect of her life, whether creating paintings, ceramics, or making jewelry. Her love of color, especially purple, was legendary!

Mimi followed the beat of her own drum and never compromised her ideals or principles. She believed in fairness and treating people as individuals.

She took great joy in her life, her family and her friends. It was rare to ever see her without a smile on her face.

She genuinely loved her life.

Mimi leaves a legacy of artwork, incredible memories and many friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mimi is survived by her children, Melissa Pranke (nee Granberry), Edwin Phillips Granberry III, James Rohn Granberry, Jennifer Valderrama (nee Granberry); grandchildren, Jessica E. Pranke, Adam P. Pranke (wife Robin), Jarrod S. Valderrama, Cecelia Valderrama (husband Josh); great-grandchildren, Emma A. Moore, Lennon P. Moore, Rome P. Pranke; step-grandchildren, Ashley, Garett and Taylor; and her beloved dog, Bella.

A Celebration of Life to remember Mimi will be held on September 7 at the Maitland Art Center, 231 Packwood Avenue, Maitland, Florida (5 pm-7 pm).

The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mimi's memory to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To share memories of Mary, or to leave a special message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.