Wilma J. (Lawyer) Stowell

Town of Oppenheim – Wilma J. Stowell, 88, a long time Town of Oppenheim resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 21, 2021 at the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with her loving family by her side.

She was born November 30, 1932 in the Town of Minden, the daughter of the late Peter J. and Clara (Vincent) Lawyer and was a graduate of Van Hornesville High School.

She was married to Charles B. Stowell on July 9, 1952 at the Fort Plain United Methodist Church. The couple shared a blessed union of 64 years until the passing of Charles on December 24, 2016.

Wilma was last employed as a bus driver for the Oppenheim – Ephratah School District. After her retirement, Wilma volunteered her time watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren and participating in Meals on Wheels as a driver.

As matriarch of the family, Wilma’s life was centered around her loved ones. She enjoyed the quality time she spent with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her sons, Gerald Stowell and Valerie Claus of Oppenheim, and David Stowell and Casey Cram of Oppenheim; six grandchildren, Jenna Smith, Jason Smith and wife Julie, Scott Stowell and wife Diane, Mindy Cover and husband Chad, Josh and Hunter Stowell; 11 great grandchildren, Lauren Smith, Reyna Hart, Andrew Smith, Hailey Smith, Caleb Stowell, Keaghan Stowell, Cole Harper, Coby Cover, Kyle Stowell, Tyler Stowell, and Gavin Stowell; son-in-law, Robert Smith; in-laws, Don Bowers, Alice Silvernail and Doug Stowell and Pam Lamphere; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was pre-deceased by her daughter, Brenda Smith on December 13, 2005; sons, Rodney Stowell in May of 1964, Mark Stowell on May 7, 2015; sisters, Thelma Dingman, Theresa Bowers and Marie Collins; brothers, Robert Lawyer and Fred Lawyer; and a grandson, Todd Smith.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 27, 2021 at 1:00 pm from the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY with Rev. Anthony Bradseth, of the Oppenheim United Methodist Church officiating. Burial at Brown Cemetery will take place later in the spring. The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Saturday March 27, 2021 from 11:00 am until the time of the services at 1:00 pm. Due to the current health conditions, facemask and social distancing is required. In lieu of flowers please make all memorial contributions to either the Oppenheim United Methodist Church, 13 W. State St., Dolgeville, NY 13329 or to Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department, 6786 State Highway 29, St. Johnsville, NY 13452. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.