The Rev. Claire McDowell, 66, deacon of the Diocese of San Joaquin, died April 14 in Wasco, CA.

Deacon McDowell was a native of Rifle, CO. She served the church for 30 years as a lay person before preparing for the diaconate through a diocesan program. She was ordained in 1996 and served at Redeemer and Hope, Delano, CA, until the time of her death. Deacon McDowell is survived by her husband, John, and three sons.