Obituary of Linda Mary Stowell

Linda M. Stowell of Philadelphia, PA, passed away October 8, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Linda was 55 years young. She is survived by her parents Robert and Marion Stowell of Brighton, NY, brother Bruce (Rita) Stowell of Grants Pass, OR, sister Susan (Al) of Penfield, NY, nephew Mike Bradley and niece Megan Bradley of Penfield, NY, niece Jessica (Brandon) Arveson of Baltimore, MD, nephew Alex Stowell of Eugene, OR, nieces Erin (Jonathon) Brower of Medford, OR and Amy (Cody) Ponder of Corvallis, OR. She is also survived by her beloved cats Roger and Rafa. Linda was a native of Brighton, NY and graduated from Penfield High School in 1974 and from Mount Union College in 1978. Stowell's Associated Press career spanned more than a quarter-century and took her from reporter and editor to regional vice president in charge of the AP's newspaper member relationships in the eastern half of the United States. Based in Philadelphia, she did significant work on the news cooperative's services and products, and supervised bureau chiefs across the region. She remained a champion and advocate for news throughout her career. In defiance of her cancer Stowell took up distance running, completing several races including 5ks, 10ks and half marathons. Upon completion of the Philadelphia distance run in 2009 she triumphantly climbed the "Rocky Steps" in front of the Philadelphia Library. Linda was also an avid tennis player and fan and continued to hone her game up until the last months of her life. Her family and many friends will forever cherish her fighting spirit, generosity and kindness. She was truly one of a kind. Linda asked that those that would like to remember her support the Lankenau Medical Center Foundation, Medical Office Building East, Suite 5050, 100 East Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, PA 19096. Linda's Interment took place privately in Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Rochester, NY.