Doreen Nowack

Doreen G. Nowack, 94, of Bettendorf, Iowa passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Doreen was born on June 25, 1928 in Bristol, England the daughter of Harold and Beatrice Southall.

Those left to honor her memory include her two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Chris Nowack and Carey and Marna Nowack all of Bettendorf; her grandchildren, Brian Nowack, Brent Nowack and Britni (Tim) Martinez; and her great-grandchild, Ava Jane Martinez.

Doreen was preceded in death by her parent; her sisters, Olive and Joan; and her brother, Harold.

Doreen grew up in Bristol, England and as World War II started was one of the children evacuated to the countryside to avoid the German bombardment during the Battle of Britain.  This experience stayed with her for her entire life.  She embodied the “keep a stiff upper lip” mentality.  When Doreen would hear people complaining about trivial things she could often be heard saying “get over it".  She was very proud of her accomplishments and that she did them on her own.

She immigrated to the United States by ship in 1947 and found her way to Rock Island, Illinois where she met her future husband, Don.  They later divorced and Doreen provided for her sons by working as a cashier at Eagle Food Stores at Duck Creek Plaza and then at the store on 18th Street in Bettendorf.  She loved working and after 22 years retired in 1990.

She enjoyed meeting with a group of other ladies from the Quad Cities who also were from England known as “The British Club”.

After retirement she traveled extensively with her friends including trips to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, China, Hong Kong, the South Pacific and Europe.

She lived at Senior Star Memory Care for the past 4 years where she was happy and well cared for by the special caregivers there.  Special thanks to the very caring and compassionate caregivers who made Doreen feel loved.

Doreen had a long and healthy life and lived every moment to its fullest.

Per Doreen’s wishes a private family remembrance will be held.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Doreen’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.