Mary Catherine White MacDowell

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Mary Catherine White MacDowell, who peacefully died on July 1, 2025, at the age of 93. 

Mary demonstrated the same fortitude and grace in death that she displayed throughout her life. She was surrounded by her family, to whom she was devoted. She is survived by her five children, Richard MacDowell Jr (Adrienne Wyman), Art MacDowell (Liane MacDowell), Michael MacDowell (Beverley MacDowell), Karen Ricketts (Ron Ricketts) and Meg Schubert (Bob Schubert), ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and her sister, Catherine Rotanz.

Born in 1931, in the Bronx, New York. Mary was predeceased in death by her mother, Veronica White, her father, Arthur White, her husband, Richard, her companion Robert Budd, along with many dear and lifelong friends.

Mary graduated from Dominican Academy in Manhattan, New York in 1949. She recalled celebrating VJ Day in Times Square with her father. She was part of the “Greatest Generation” who sacrificed so much during WWII.

In 1961, Mary moved to Vienna, Virginia with her husband where she raised their young family. She loved Vienna, and frequently said that Virginia was the best place to live and raise children. Mary was a proud homemaker, she embraced her family with unwavering love and commitment. She was immensely proud that all five of her children graduated from college.

Mary loved music, dancing, NFL football and politics. After many years working at The National Pest Control Association, Mary finished her career at the law firm of Joe Condo, retiring at age 85.

Mary’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous pride and happiness. Mary will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to The American Heart Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 4, 2025, at 11:00 am at The Lake House at 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue in Reston, Virginia.