In the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 12, interior designer Kelli McDowell, beloved wife of renowned product designer Mark McDowell, suffered an unexpected heart attack at home in Texas, followed by multiple ones at the hospital. She fought hard for nearly a week to recover, but lost her battle on Monday, October 17.
I met Kelli through her husband, Mark, back when he was the Chief Creative Officer for Fine Art Lamps for 20+ years. She was always his greatest champion and supporter, so proud of his accomplishments in his career at Mark McDowell Designs as well as in his personal life as a doting father and husband. Kelli had success of her own in interior design work and photography, however every High Point Market she would invite me to meet with them at the John-Richard showroom, where Mark’s newest designs debuted. She was involved and well-known in the lighting and home furnishings industry as she and Mark were inseparable.
On October 6, she and Mark celebrated their anniversary. According to Kelli, they met by chance in 1976 at Phelps Grove Park in Springfield, Missouri. “He rode up on his white bicycle and swept me off my feet. What a ride!” she posted on Facebook.
Kelli was most proud of her family, regularly sharing weekly photos of her grandchildren and taking great pride and joy on all of their accomplishments. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
