Love comes in all shapes and sizes. It comes in the form of friendship and romance. It can be expressed through actions or words, through honesty and loyalty, and everything in between. But as Charles and Nancy McDowell know all too well, it is ultimately a choice one makes everyday. The couple, who celebrated their 63rd anniversary last September, has lived a life full of love for each other, as well as for their family and neighborhood.

Charles and Nancy met in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where they attended the same high school and church. They then went on to attend The Ohio State University, where Charles graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and majors in psychology and business and Nancy graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree majoring in primary and secondary education. 

Following graduation, Charles and Nancy were married in Mount Vernon and honeymooned in North Carolina. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, they had dinner in Paris, at the Jules Verne Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. 

The two have lived all across Ohio, with their careers taking them to the Toledo area, Cincinnati, and Dublin. Charles held multiple human resource positions with public utilities and health care systems, and retired as Chief Human Resources Officer at ProMedica Healthcare System, Inc. Nancy taught in both public and private schools, and also provided piano lessons in their home. In the end, it was Charles and Nancy’s family that brought them back to Muirfield for the long haul. 

The couple shares two daughters, Sarah Walsh and Amanda Smith, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Sarah lives nearby in Worthington Hills while Amanda lives in the Athens area. 

During their free time, Charles and Nancy enjoy traveling with family and friends. Their trips have taken them to Europe, the Middle East, Great Britain, the Caribbean, and Canada. Having owned vacation homes in New Hampshire and Duck, North Carolina, both locations have also been favorite destinations. 

Apart from traveling, the McDowells love socializing and staying active in their community. Charles sat on hospital, long-term care, symphony, and zoo boards while Nancy spent time with the Junior League, PTA, church, and the Toledo Museum of Art, where she was a Master Docent for more than 10 years. After moving back to Dublin, she has become involved with the Muirfield Village Garden Club, Newcomers of North Columbus, two book clubs, and a local PEO chapter. The couple are both active members of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church.

The McDowells’ love for their community has also inspired them to organize the Empty Nesters Group, which has been a big passion of theirs. When Charles and Nancy made the decision to move back to Muirfield, they bought a house just four blocks from their original home on Dumfries Court. One of the first couples they met were Bob and Gina Fathman, who approached them about organizing the group, and the two said yes. 

With the help of their good friend and neighbor, Marcia Bennett, they have been planning and executing one to two events each month. The group provides a variety of activities, with the main purpose of serving as an opportunity to bring together fellow members of the Muirfield community. The Empty Nesters Group has coordinated tours of iconic locations such as The Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden, The Shoe (aka The Ohio State University stadium), the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Schnormeier Japanese Gardens in Gambier, as well as planned events such as visits to Abbey Theatre Productions, Savoir cooking school classes, Central Ohio Symphony concerts, wine tastings and dinners out. 

Charles and Nancy are always excited to meet new neighbors and welcome new additions to their group. If you would be interested in joining the Empty Nesters Group, feel free to email CHRLSMCDOWELL@BEX.NET.