Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Sowers

Mary Elizabeth Sowers, 89, of Fairmont, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 with her children by her side at the Fairmont Medical Center. She was born September 7, 1935 in Fairmont the adopted daughter of the late Earl William and Retta Frances Sidwell Wilburn. Mary was a member of the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Fairmont where she served as a Eucharistic Lay Minister for the homebound for many years. She retired in 1998 from the Marion Health Care Center in Fairmont, where she served as the receptionist for over 21 years. Mary lived a life full of love and kindness. She touched so many hearts, not only family and friends, but often the everyday stranger who was touched through her smile and her generosity. She also touched the lived of numerous “furry friends”. Mary was an avid animal lover. Dogs or cats, they all hit the lottery when they made it to her doorstep. Above all, Mary was a wonderful mother always there when her family needed her, offering love and support. Her passion was her family. Known as “Mother, Mom, Mama or Nanny” she was deeply devoted to her children. Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but the love she shared will be her legacy, living on in all whose lives were closely connected to her. Mary is survived by her children. Frank Freeman Sowers and his companion Jennifer McDonald of Fairmont, Mary Anne and her husband Larry Lock of Clermont, FL, Susan and her husband Joseph Garcia of Fairmont, Louise and her husband Michael Lawson of Fairmont, and Cheryl and her husband David Leveaux of Shinnston, her grandchildren: Jason Davenport, Bryan Garcia, Kerri Sowers, Ross Lawson, Lauren Leveaux, Lindsay Leveaux, Logan Leveaux, and Kelley Louise Leveaux, as well as seven great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Kelley Marie Garcia, and her brothers, Clyde Conner and Charles Sidwell. Memorial donations may be made to the Marion County Humane Society, P.O. Box 905, Fairmont, WV, 26555. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. In accordance with her wishes, cremation services will be held. The family will received family and friends at the funeral home on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 2PM until 8PM with the Vigil Service to be held at 7 PM in the funeral home. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 407 Jackson Street, Fairmont at 11AM with Father Joseph Konikattil as Celebrant. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Fairmont, WV. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.