Mary “Doreen” Hallowell left this earth and our lives peacefully on February 8, 2013 in Pasco, Washington. She was with her family at the time of her death.
She was born August 26, 1926 in Esmond, Rhode Island to Edward and Edna St. Rock. She attended schools there and graduated in 1945. She married Albert Hallowell in 1951. Doreen and Al adopted both a son and a daughter. As a family they lived in Tennessee, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Florida. Al was killed in action in Viet Nam in 1966, and Doreen moved the family back to her home state of Rhode Island. It was there in Warwick that Doreen established roots, working as a single mother in various jobs. Her last job was with Victoria Creations. Doreen was always surrounded by family and friends, and was fortunate to find a longtime companion in Jack Christensen. Jack and his daughters, Martha Christensen and Mary McGovern, were Doreen’s extended family, and they spent many holiday and family celebrations together. She had a passion for helping others and an unconditional love; not just for those in her family, but those that she reached out to with her kindness and her grace as a volunteer at McAuley House. She provided her time and talent there until she was no longer physically able. Doreen lived in Warwick until just 2 years ago when she moved to Washington to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. During her short time in Washington, she enjoyed the new friendships she made and her daily visits with family.
She is survived by her sister Elaine Gaudet (Raymond) of Warwick; her son Michael Hallowell (Sharon) of Warwick, her daughter Debi Gallagher (Phil) of Richland, Wash.; her grandchildren Scott and Hannah Gallagher of Richland, Wash.; and several nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Hallowell, and her brother Edward St. Rock of Warwick.
To those who took the time, listened, laughed, shared and cared with and for Doreen, the family is deeply touched and thankful.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane in Warwick. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the McAuley Ministries, PO Box 73195, Providence, RI 02907-2000.
