Date Of Birth: September 22, 1923
Date Of Death: September 25, 2009
Peggy Joan McDowell Peggy was born September 22, 1923 in Indianapolis, and passed away peacefully September 25, 2009.Peggy was a 1941 graduate of Broad Ripple High School. She graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio-Speech, class of 1945. She was truly a broadcasting pioneer. From taking her degree on the road to radio stations in the Midwest to performing in local theater in Indianapolis to working as a talent agent, she has had a lifetime of memories and experiences that few can rival. While a student at Butler, Peggy met Jim McDowell, a young soldier during WW II stationed at Camp Atterbury. They met at Pearson Music Store where she was selling records and sheet music. As soon as Jim saw her sparkling brown eyes, he was hooked! The two married in 1946 and began what proved to be a personal and professional partnership spanning 63 years of marriage. Fortunately, Jim, a graduate of the Columbia School of Broadcasting, shared Peggy’s love and talent for radio. They became a team as they produced and developed radio shows in St. Joseph, Michigan at WHFB radio, where they did nine shows a day. They moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan at WOOD-TV, working together as “Melody Mack and Peg”. The McDowell’s settled in Indianapolis in 1958 hosting a radio program for WISH- Radio called “Teens and Tunes” and a television program for WISH-TV called “Teen Twirl”. While raising their three children Peggy became active in Footlite Musicals productions and the Sheraton Dinner Theater. She managed a popular specialty act known as “The Tons Of Fun”. She also was a professional judge for talent and beauty pageants around the country. She enjoyed working for 15 years as an entertainment-booking agent. She was active with the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers. She nominated her husband “Jimmy Mack” for the Pioneer Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame, and he will be inducted in a ceremony October 1, 2009. He feels that she deserves just as much a part of this award as he, and dedicates it to his loving wife and partner. He expresses that he would not have been able to have the wonderful career that they have shared without her inspiration!She also was co-owner with Jim of “PJM Enterprises” specializing in photography and entertainment productions from 1980 to 1995. Peggy, a talented artist as well, has enjoyed entering local art competitions and has specialized in oil painting and collage. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 2720 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Peggy was a loving and devoted wife to her husband Jim McDowell for 63 years. Other survivors include daughters Bonnie (Charles) Hinkle, Robin McDowell, and son Scott McDowell, as well as her two loving grandsons Christopher and Cory Hinkle.Our family wishes to express our thanks and gratitude to the nurses and therapists at The Forum Healthcare Center, Castleton Healthcare center, and the physicians and nursing staff of the Indiana Heart Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital.Peggy has always been very passionate about the arts in Indianapolis, therefore; in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Footlite Musicals Inc., 1847 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
Phyllis Peavler says
Peggy was a part of my life for over fifty years and one of the brightest diamonds in my tierra of life….I will miss her dearly…..
carole payton says
Jimmy,Bonnie,Robin & Scottie:
Your in my thoughts & prayers
at this difficult time.
Carole Payton
(CP)
Judy Stone says
Peggy and Jimmy were always so supportive and helpful with every show we did in school. My favorite memory of Peg is when she showed up with boas and costumes for Appassionata von Climax in “Lil Abner” and taught me how to create a bust with kotex.
I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you all. Know my thoughts and love are with you.
Judy Stone
Phyllis Kidd says
Jim,Bonnie,Robin,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Phyllis Kidd
Karen Bingham Monaghan says
Peggy was one of the most delightful, upbeat people I have ever known. She was pure fun and excitement. She and Jim were undoubtedly soulmates.
Robin and Bonnie, even though many years have past since I have seen either of you, memories have always stayed with me of all of the great times I spent with you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you.
Much love,
Karen
Judy Sprengelmeyer says
To Jimmy and girls: Sorry to learn of your loss.
Peggy was full of talent and had an interesting life and an equally talented family. Brava!
Jim Donna Watson says
Reading Peggy’s obit brought back so many wonderful fun memories from Teen Twirl…Ton’s of Fun…Footlite… as well as sunny afternoons on the river. We’ll be in Indy next week and hope to personally be in touch.
SkipJudy Welker says
She was full of life, laughter, and always loving Jimmy.
We had our whole family involved in
pictures with Jimmy and Peg. The kids have never forgotten how much fun they had. Our sympathy and prayers. 63 years of living together deserves admiration and applause!
Lisa Gresh says
My prayers are with you. Peggy was one of a kind. And she was certainly one of our best mom to the neighborhood while growing up. A very lovely lady with a kind and sharing heart. May her memory live strong in all our hearts. peace be with you all. 2Corinthians 1:2-5
Sincerely,
Lisa Gresh
Eric Morrison says
You guys are in my prayers.
Eric Morrison
Van KirbyDan Detrick says
Remembering the fun, excitment and energy that Peggy brought to our lives brings a smile to our faces..Thank you Peggy.
Angie Pryor Donnella says
I have many good memories of Peg when the gang used to listen to Scotty’s band in the basement in the late 1970’s. My condolences to the family.
Betty Heppner says
Jim and family, Please accept my condolences. “Peg” was a joy to know and to be with.
An “Aqua Mom” and a friend from
OASIS.
jane Schollaert says
Peggy was in Y water aerobics class when I arrived in Indpls 4 yrs. ago. What fun we had- she entertained us all! Jimmy brought her and picked her up so he became a favorite too! Will miss Peggy so much!There will be some sadness as Jimmy is inducted in IN Broacasters Hall of Fame! Her spirit will be there and will be so proud! Safe journey into the next life!
Rev Marsha Tucker Hutchinson says
We just heard about Peggy and are so sorry. She was an amazing and talented person who made an impact upon my childhood and our family’s life at Union Chapel. She was a woman ahead of her time who I know passed on an incredible legacy.
May you feel our love and prayers…
Marsha Hutchinson and family; Tom and Patsy Tucker
Jim Sheila Schroeder says
Jim, Bonnie and Robin,
You are in our thoughts and prayers; Peg will be missed by all who came in contact with her. I have wonderful memories of all the Footlite shows and the great times we had doing them. Peg put her all into everything she did!
Jinx Dawson says
Dearest Jimmy, Robin, Scott and Bonnie,
I just today heard the news…I feel so bad I did not know as I would have been there…
I drove by several times the last week wondering why I had not heard from anyone for awhile…
If you need anything, please call and I will be here for you…Let me know when it is good to come by…
Much Love to All, Jinx