Mary Jo "Josie Dowler

Mary Jo "Josie" Dowler, age 80 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.   
  
She was born in Defiance, Ohio on November 7, 1945 to the late Thomas and Dorothy (Diehl) Lawson. On October 8, 1966 she married Gary L. Dowler who survives. Josie proudly earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from Defiance College, her Master's degree in Education from The University of Toledo, and a Nursing degree from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 

Josie was a member of numerous area boards and organizations. Josie and Gary enjoyed many summers at their cottage on Clear Lake, Indiana and winters in Vero Beach, Florida.
   
Josie is survived by her loving husband, Gary Dowler, her sister, Nan (Reagan) Weakley, brother, David Lawson, 12 nieces and nephews, and her beloved Airedale "Gem". She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Terry Lawson.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.
    
Memorials are suggested to Ft. Defiance Humane Society or CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center. 

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