Berkel Family Website

Eulogy

Sylvia Maria McDowell was born on January 20, 1949 on the beautiful island of St. Eustatius to Pastor Ivan Berkel and Gertrude Berkel. Prior to her birth, while her mother was still pregnant with her, Sylvia's parents along with 2 older siblings were shipwrecked with other passengers on a remote island. Many of the passengers were racked with anxiety as they pondered the fact that their last days on earth would be spent in this desolate place, with no food or warmth. The self-possessed, marked calmness of Sylvia's parents did not go unnoticed by other passengers. Thankfully all were rescued with no loss of life; and at least one was led to the Seventh-Day Adventist faith, figuring that the God that this couple served must be the true God.  Perhaps this calm transposed itself into Sylvia in the womb; for she grew to possess a serene spirit.

Sylvia, the third of seven children, cultivated a helpful disposition from an early age.  One day, at the age of 3, she heard her baby sister, Cynthia, cry. She had seen her mother pick the baby up numerous times, and figured that she could do the same.  She went to the crib, picked up the squirming baby; intending to place her on her shoulder, and pat her back. Well, baby Cynthia went over Sylvia’s shoulder, and dropped to the floor.  Unfortunately, Cynthia’s shoulder was dislocated. Thankfully, the shoulder was readjusted without difficulty.  Obviously, Cynthia forgave Sylvia; for she quickly came to her aid, providing comfort, care and companionship, during the weeks leading up to her death.

As a youth, Sylvia assisted her mother in various ministries, such as Branch Sabbath School, Vacation Bible School, and conducting Bible studies.

In 1970, Sylvia migrated to the United States, where she married a young man whom she met in her youth.  Their union produced three children.  Sylvia’s profession included teaching, Medical and Administrative Secretary.

Sylvia and her husband returned to the Commonwealth of Dominica in 2013 where they looked forward to spending their retirement years. She passed to her rest on April 19, 2022 after a brief illness. She had an adventurous spirit and was a lover of nature:  attributes passed down to her children and grandchildren.

The Lord truly gave Sylvia the tongue of the learned for she always had a word in due season (Isaiah 50:4) for the weary. Strangers would sense her tranquil spirit, and time after time felt comfortable opening their lives to her. She always made herself available to those who needed a listening ear. Her focus was continually on the Lord, the author and finisher of her faith. Sylvia lived and breathed Bible promises; and used these promises, as well as inspirational music, to praise God in good times; and encourage herself and others in trying times.

Sylvia had a quote in her office that reads: “I am not in control, but I am deeply loved by the One who is”. This brief statement exemplified her perspective that God Almighty has all things under His control.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 46 years, Arthur S. McDowell; three children, Heather McDowell, DC; Urvia Knight, RN, MS (Brandon Knight); and USAF Technical Sargent, Arthur I. McDowell (Dr. Tamala McDowell); and 6 grandchildren:  Xavier Shillingford, Mica LeSure, Clay LeSure, Veronica Knight, Gianna McDowell, and Dominic McDowell; Sisters, Joyce Hinds (Aubrey Hinds), Cynthia Howell, Elsie Berkel, Genevieve Farrel (Pastor Andrew Farrel): Brother Boyce Berkel, MD, Phd (Darlene Berkel, RN); Uncle Ishmael Berkel; Aunt Olive Berkel; a host of loving cousins, several nieces and numerous nephews.