Petra Maureen McDowell

Petra Maureen Jensen McDowell

November 27, 1941 – June 14, 2026

Petra McDowell, a cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away in Port Townsend, WA. Penny (her family nickname) met life’s challenges with determination and courage. She held herself to the highest ethical standards, always speaking her truth with conviction and passion.

Born in Junction City, Oregon, to Edith and Christian Jensen, Petra was the fourth of five children. She married Ted Rankin in 1958 and was blessed with two children, Greg Rankin and Kristie Rankin Nerby. Petra often said that raising her children was the most demanding and rewarding accomplishment of her life. She remained deeply proud of them, as well as her grandchildren, Keenan and Sara Nerby, until the very end.

A woman of deep intelligence and immense curiosity, Petra never stopped pursuing education and knowledge. She read multiple newspapers daily, loved perusing magazines filled with the world’s wonders and tragedies, and never shied away from confronting the planetary conundrums created by our species.

Petra’s search for adventure and meaningful work eventually took her to Bethel, AK. This experience further strengthened her self-definition as a woman who could survive and thrive—creating the comforts of home in a harsh but beautiful environment and finding her footing in a diverse community. In 1986, she married Larry McDowell, who remained her loving helpmate until her passing.

The birth of her grandchildren and the desire to care for Larry’s beloved mother, Anne, eventually brought Petra and Larry to Washington, where they settled in the Kala Point community of Port Townsend. Petra thrived in the Pacific Northwest. She nurtured many passions, including choral singing, yoga, travel, and advocating for social justice, all while nourishing rich traditions and celebrations with their large, extended families.

Petra was predeceased by her sisters, Bonnie and Connie, and her brother, Christian. She is survived by her loving husband, Larry McDowell; her sister, Linda Marshall; her daughter, Kristie Nerby (Bruce); her son, Greg Rankin; her beloved grandchildren, Keenan (Linden) and Sara Lever (Derrek); and her brothers-in-law, Tom McDowell (Gale) and John McDowell (Sharon). She will be deeply missed by her many friends.

Her family will release her ashes in private ceremonies in Junction City, OR, and Port Townsend, WA. A celebration of life will be held on or around her 85th birthday, November 27th, 2026. Details will be announced later.