Frances Mirabai Barbara Dowhal, age 85, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at her home surrounded by family. She was born on January 31, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Walter and Emily (Watson) Woods. She had lived in the Chelsea area for nearly 50 years.
Frances married Alexander Dowhal, at the Fort Bragg Army Base, Fayetteville North Carolina May 14, 1955. In 2005, 50 years later they returned to Fayetteville to renew their vows and retrace their honeymoon trip.
After raising her family, Frances returned to school to earn a nursing degree and worked as a psychiatric nurse. She was an artist, enjoyed painting religious icons, creating stained glass lamps and windows, and playing dulcimer and the piano. She was a life-long student. She also enjoyed spending time at her second home in Traverse City, often visiting the casino with her family.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Alexander. They had four children who also survive her: Andrea Dowhal of Manchester, Paul Dowhal of Lake Tahoe, CA, Susan (Jerry) Huehl of Chelsea, and James Dowhal of Flushing, MI; also three grandchildren: Kate (Derek) Huffman of Novi, Robert (Melaney) Huehl of Chelsea, Sarah (Justin) Hresko of Ludington; and five great-grandchildren: Connor and Emma Huffman, Mark and Alexander Hresko, and Lucas Huehl.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, Ilene Bergeron, Millie Aronson, and Walter Woods.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, from 5-8 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Freedom Twp.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, the Cascades Humane Society, or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.
