Beryl Cathryn McDowell Cahill, 94

Beryl Cathryn McDowell Cahill, 94, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House on June 3, 2014. 

Beryl was born March 26, 1920, to James Elmer McDowell and Ruth Archer McDowell in Springston, Idaho. Chief among Beryl's qualities were her quick wit and endearing smile that was freely given to anyone who crossed her path. No one was a stranger to Beryl, as all who encountered her were treated to a humorous story. Above all, her lifelong Christian faith and her family were dearest to her heart. Those who saw Beryl's authentic smile knew that it was given readily and sincerely from the heart. While she didn’t travel the world, she often delighted in imagining that her sewing handiwork did - worn on the backs of countless patrons whose clothing was created, mended, or altered under the hum of her well-used Singer sewing machine, guided by her skilled hands.

Family, friends and sewing customers were witness to Beryl's green thumb as evidenced by the variety of healthy home and garden plants. Even more admired was her homemade bread, cinnamon rolls and orange-meringue pie. Visitors to her home, surprise or otherwise, would be invited to a wholesome home-cooked meal before they left. Beryl invited all visitors into her home with a beautiful smile and an open heart.

Beryl was preceded in death by her husband, James Jenicek; and husband, Clair Cahill; sister, Lucille Skjaret; brothers: George McDowell, Ed Purdy and Delbert Purdy; nephew, Bryan Purdy, and grandson, Paul Stephens.

She is survived by her children: daughter, Anita Stephens, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, son, Ron Cahill, of Ocean Shores, Wash., and son, Charley Cahill, of Hayden, Idaho; eight grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren (with another on the way).

A memorial service will be held today, at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7, at Community Church of the Bible, 4510 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Beryl's memory may be sent to Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 83815 or to Community Church of the Bible, 4510 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley ,Wash., 99216. Please visit Beryl's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.