Josephine Price Lowery

Lowery Josephine Price, born April 12, 1920 in Minneapolis. Died January 11, 2002 following complications of surgery. Preceded in death by husband, Forst Lowery. Survived by children, Mike (Karen) Lowery, Ellen Lowery, Katy (Paul Irvine) Lowery and grandchildren Chris, Brad, Steve, Emily, Noah, Jack; brother, Bill (Pat) Price; nieces, Joey (and John) and Mary (and Steve); nephew, Bill Jr.; sister-in-law, Kaye Shepherd; niece, Pat and nephew, Tony; and many close friends and colleagues. Jo graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Minnesota in 1940. After marriage to Forst Lowery, she worked as an FBI cryptanalyst during WWII. Jo earned a Master's Degree at the University of Minnesota and taught English to Jr. High students for 26 years in the Minnetonka school district until her retirement in 1984. In 1963 Jo authored `This is Grammar,' a college English textbook, and in 1968 co-edited the anthology `Exploring Literature.' Though Forst and Jo had been active in the Eisenhower Presidential Campaign after WWII, he and Jo became peace activists and McCarthy delegates at the infamous Chicago Democratic Convention of 1968. Jo continued her activism following her brief retirement by joining the Twin Cities Gray Panthers and becoming their office manager and newsletter editor. In 1999 she helped to produce the Twin Cities Gray Panthers' anti-ageism video ``Ripenings'' (Blue Moon Productions, available online through amazon.com). During the past few years Jo's mobility became increasingly impaired by peripheral neuropathy, a long-term side effect of chemotherapy. Jo resisted feeling sorry for herself even as her pain and handicap increased. ``Well, I can't fly either and I don't mope about that,'' she noted. Jo had a keen intellect, frequently questioning conventional or popular beliefs. She lived long enough that history vindicated her on most issues. It's fortunate you encouraged independence in your children, Jo, because you're a tough act to follow. Memorials suggested to Nature Conservancy, Women Against Military Madness or charity of your choice. Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1917 Logan Ave S., January 26, 2002 at 2 PM.

Published on January 20, 2002