Carol Virginia Lowery

WINONA AND FORMERLY FROM SOUTH MINNEAPOLISCarol Virginia "Dinny" Lowery, 81 of Winona and formerly from south Minneapolis, died Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Lake Winona Manor.Dinny grew up in south Minneapolis, the youngest of four children born to Hugo and Catherine Speier, and was always known in her family by the childhood name she called herself. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1949 and attended the University of Minnesota for one year. She married John "Jack" Lowery, Jr., in 1950 and became a fulltime mother and homemaker. Despite lifelong struggles with her mental health, she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed babies, flowers, fishing, and highball before dinner. Dinny prided herself on a broad vocabulary and an eye for natural beauty. Since moving to Winona in 2007, she has appreciated the good-humored care she's received from staff at Lake Winona Manor, as well as bingo, QVC, and the views of the lake and bluffs. She'll be remembered for her feisty personality and hearty laugh.Surviving family members include her son, Scott (Connie Blackburn); daughter, Sharon (Brad Johnson); sister-in-law, Dawn Speier; grandchildren, Candice, Dan, Ben, Nick, Justin, and Jade; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; son, Mark; brothers, Chuck and Bud; and sister, Barbara.Carol's family would like to invite her caregivers past and present to a memorial reception at Lake Winona Manor Chapel,Friday July 5, 2-4 PM, to share treats and memories in her honor. The family plans a private memorial service for her in the Twin Cities later in the summer. Memorials in her name can be sent to Lake Winona Manor, 865 Mankato Ave, Winona MN 55987, or the children's charity of your choice. Please share a memory of Dinny with her family and sign the online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.