Susan Juanita Gilmore née Dowdell
Susan Juanita Gilmore née Dowdell, 82, resident of Town & Country, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her devoted and doting husband of 65 years and 5 months, Dan Gilmore. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, raising four children: Scott of Takoma Park, MD, Jon (Kris) of Leawood, KS, Sally (Chris) of Town & Country, MO, and Eric (Jaime) of Natchitoches, LA. Susan was a proud grandmother to Jordan, Jacob, Tyler, Hart, Sarah and Maggie, who brought immense joy to her life.
Susan was preceded in death by her Grandmother and Grandfather, Catherine and George Smith; Mother and Father, Virginia and Richard Dowdell; and brothers Richard Jr. and George Michael ”Porgie”. She cherished her family and was a dedicated mother and grandmother.
Susan & Dan met at Garden City Elementary School and were married at Garden City Christian Church 10 years later in Indianapolis. Susan played the clarinet in the Ben Davis High School marching band. An avid tennis player, Susan achieved a USTA 4.0 rating during her competitive play in Estero, Florida. Her passion for the game was matched by her love for duplicate bridge where she was a formidable competitor. She also cherished supporting her children and grandchildren in their athletic and artistic endeavors.
Susan’s support, care, and competitive spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories.
Susan was a BFF for 52 years. We raised our children together, moved apart in distance but could pick right up in a phone call, and retired to the same community for many more years of the neighbor down the street. We shared bridge club, tennis, golf, vacations, too many meals out with Dan and Bob to count. She will live forever in my heart!
I will miss her smile and her competitive spirit. I used to tell Barbara that she was one of the smartest women we knew. The four of us had many bridge battles, sometimes all night. Our first vacation together was to French Lick, Indiana, where the bridge cards flew!
My sincere condolences to her family.
I thank Susan, and Dan, for well raising my best friend…. Their son Scott
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