Kathleen D. Pownall

KATHLEEN “KADY” DIMMICK DOWNING POWNALL died September 24, 2026 in Strongsville, Ohio.

Kathleen was born on October 23, 1944 in Chardon, Ohio to Alger Parley and Arlene (Roche) Dimmick. She was their third daughter and little sister to Dorinda (b. 1938) and Constance (b.1939). Born with a cleft lip and palate, Kady endured many surgeries and hospitalizations as a baby, but thrived under the love and care of her adoring extended family. Her early years were spent in and around Chardon on the family farm. In 1949, Kathleen’s parents divorced and in 1951, her mother married Merrill Downing. Their family welcomed a new sister in, Averill, in 1952 and the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1956, but by 1960, had returned to Ohio. Kathleen received her BA in Sociology and History from Kent State University in 1966 and her MA in Applied Sociology in 1973.

It was at Kent State University that she met and eventually married George Pownall, professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice. Kathleen worked in the public sector in the Department of Human Services for Summit County, Ohio from 1967 to 1985. From 1979 to 1997 she taught classes at Kent State and at Mount Union College. In 1986, Kathleen became the CEO of Mobile Meals Inc., which expanded during her tenure to cover five northeast Ohio counties and grew to 80 employees with a budget of over $8 million and national accreditation.

Kathleen was widowed in 2010 and retired in 2012. Kady was deeply involved in her community, serving on boards, commissions and projects at all levels of government, as well as in the Kent and Ohio League of Women Voters, Ohio Kiwanis. She was also Chapter Director and Corporation Board President for her sorority – Alpha Xi Delta. Kady loved travel, the arts, especially Jazz, and was a generous supporter of local painters and ceramic artists. Her last years were spent enjoying life with her partner, David Cannon, who remained by her side to the end.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Lesley and Brian, and by many nieces and nephews in Arizona and in Pennsylvania. Kathleen was the last of her sisters to depart the earth and we are comforted knowing that they are reunited in the heavenly plane.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, October 2, 2026, at Evergreen Cemetery, 506 S Franklin St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 with Kevin O'Brien officiating.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.