Rosemary A. “Rosie” (Polta) McDowell, 80, of Sandusky, passed away on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on February 5, 1946, in Sandusky, OH the daughter of Chester J. and Grace H. (Schwochow) Polta.  Rosemary was a 1964 graduate of Sandusky High School.  After graduation she went to work as a Secretary for Sandusky City Schools until 1983, when she began working full time at M&M Kennel, that she co-owned with her husband, Bob.  She also provided typing services to St Mary Elementary School. 

Rosemary took great pride in homemaking, gardening, visiting with family and friends, and baking delicious cookies.  She was an avid supporter of Ohio State University Football and the Cleveland Guardians.  When those teams weren’t playing, she was most likely watching reality TV or The Food Network.

She was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Her faith was a very important part of her life.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Robert “Bob” McDowell Jr, whom she married on October 19, 1968; her parents; and sisters, Betty (Gurtz) Thompson, Irene (Gurtz) Pitzer and Marie Polta.  She leaves a son, William "Rob" (Becky) McDowell of Naperville, IL; a daughter, Jan Marie (Matt) Brothers of New Middletown, OH; her grandchildren, Abbygail, Olivia, Braxton, Ethan, Hailey, Madeline and Penelope; a sister, Martha (Polta) Ebner of Sandusky; and nieces and nephews.

   Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 4-7 pm at the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH.   Funeral services will be held Friday morning, May 15, 2026, at 9:30 am at the funeral home.  Deacon Phil Dinovo officiating.  Entombment will be in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Sandusky, OH.

   The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, OH 44870.

   Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Rosie's family at davidfkoch.com.