Doris C. Fowler

Doris C. Fowler                                “beloved”

AUSTIN, PA---Doris C. Fowler, 98, a lifelong resident of Austin, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Born at home on Friday, July 13, 1928 in Austin, she was a daughter of Fraley J. and Edith G. Allison VanWhy. On February 9, 1949 in Coudersport, she married Bernard D. Fowler, who passed away in August of 1954.

Doris was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1946. She was employed by Sylvania in Emporium and later was employed for about 50 years at Emporium Specialties in Austin, retiring in 1996. She later decided to start working again at Emporium Specialties remaining there until well into her 80’s. Doris served for many years on the school board in Austin. In her earlier years she had been employed by many people, doing odd jobs ---- sewing, cleaning their homes, and ironing. She had also been employed as a waitress at the VFW in Austin.

She was a member of the former Austin United Methodist Church, now God’s Country Global Methodist Church in Austin. She was a member of the former Mecca Chapter #217 OES in Austin. Earlier in life, she was a member of a bowling league in Austin. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and flowers. Later in life she enjoyed attending family reunions and visits from friends and family. She enjoyed thrift shopping, reading her Bible and telling stories of days gone by. Doris’ greatest love was her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Bernard “Mike” Fowler, Fred “Joe” Fowler, and Dawn M. Crosby, all of Austin; four grandchildren, Joy Oliver, Bernard “Bernie” Fowler, Mary Jo Fowler, and Barry Fowler; three great-grandchildren, Brandon Fowler, Olivia Clester, and Marrin Clester; several nieces and nephews, including Mark VanWhy, Fred VanWhy, Debra Reese and Cheryl Burgett; and several grandnieces and grandnephews, including Ike VanWhy, Theron VanWhy, and Eddie VanWhy.

In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was predeceased by four sisters, Aldean Cochran, Norma Roseman, Lucille Cochran, and Nadine VanWhy; and four brothers, Otis Davenport, Fred VanWhy, Edward VanWhy, and Donald VanWhy.

Family and friends are invited to attend a brief graveside service at 3:30pm on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Forest Hill Cemetery, Austin. Pastor Todd Lamer of God’s Country Global Methodist Church, Austin, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joy Oliver, 182 Rockey Rd, Loganton, PA 17747, for the purchase of a headstone to honor Bernard and Doris.

Doris entrusted her funeral arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Doris, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.