Joan (Mutch) McDowell (July 29, 1928 — June 30, 2018)

Joan (Mutch) McDowell, a lifelong summer resident of Kahshe Lake on Coo-ee Island, died peacefully in Gravenhurst just a month shy of her 90th birthday. She was the daughter of Dorothy Mutch who did a lot for the lake and the cottagers association. 

Joan loved the lake and arrived with her parents Charles and Dorothy Mutch in the early 30s. They kept the cottage just the way Sam and Carl Cook built it, other than adding power and a bathroom in the 50s. There is still no TV to this day. Joan was the beloved mother of four children. 

As an avid volunteer and 68-year member of the Girl Guides of Canada, Joan taught hundreds of young girls to be strong, independent women including my sister and myself. She is survived by her son and two daughters, one of whom still resides on Coo-ee Island.