LOWRY, Noel Marie

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Noel Marie Lowry, 65, unexpectedly passed away Monday morning, May 9, at her home in Wickenburg. Noel owned Noel’s Paint Place in Wickenburg. Noel was born in Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 6, 1945 to parents William (Bill) and Renee Nadeau. She was the oldest of five children, with siblings Mark, Nikki, Guy, and Jackie. She attended Basilica of Saint Mary Parochial School and graduated from high school at Saint Margaret’s Academy. She enjoyed rock-n-roll, dancing, and having fun with friends. In later years, Noel was the pillar of her family. Noel married Ronald Fish in December of 1965 and had two daughters, Sarah and Amy. Family was always the most important thing in her life. Being the “Mama Bear,” she’d do anything for her kids. She was the president of the PTA for many years and always stayed active in her children’s lives. She had a very special way with children and was the kind of person all children loved. It didn’t matter if they were 2 or 17, she gave the love and trust they needed to feel free to ask questions and vent problems. She was truly the best mother two daughters could ever have - a friend not only to her own kids but to many others that knew her. Noel went back to school, got her bachelor’s degree in science in 1982, and became a high school teacher. She taught in Minneapolis and in Nogales, Ariz., where the family moved to escape the cold winters of Minnesota in 1984. She married Bob Lowry and moved to Wickenburg in 1986, which she always said felt like home. They opened “The Paint Store” on Highway 60 just out of town in 1987. Noel had a real eye for color and taught herself from scratch how to tint paint. In 2004, she opened her own paint store, “Noel’s Paint Place.” She’d go to the store on a day off just so someone could finish a project. Noel has three grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. From Sarah and husband Jeff Mattox of Wickenburg, grandchildren Bailey (14), and J.P. (12), and step-grandchildren Chris, Amber, and April. From Amy and husband Adam Tharp of Circle City, a granddaughter Alex Brooks (19) and step-granddaughter Addison (12). She was getting quite excited about becoming a great-grandmother soon. She loved having her grandchildren over and spending time with them. During summers she’d pick something to teach, anything from learning the United States to how to cook different dishes. She always made it fun to learn. She loved doing science experiments with the kids and playing all kinds of games. Quite often you’d find them playing poker, poker hats included. She loved good mysteries and cooking shows, but one of her favorite things was pro football. She was a huge fan, even though the season was never long enough, she always enjoyed a great game. Noel had the biggest heart and often, to her own detriment, would do anything she could for others. She was witty, had a great sense of humor, and loved a good joke. She was always a strong, protective person and would stand up for what she believed in. Noel touched many people’s lives. Please keep her in your memories like she’ll be in ours. Our loss is great, and she’ll be extremely missed, but we can keep a little of her in our hearts. Noel donated her body to science and was an organ donor as well. A memorial and celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 18 at 3 p.m. at the Coffinger Park Rec Center. Everyone who knew her is invited and very welcome to join us.