Dorothea Sowada

To: St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Re: Obituary of Dr. Dorothea P. Sowada for next edition
Dr. Dorothea Pollock Sowada, of St. Therese Southwest, Hopkins, Minnesota, died October 7, 2013, at St. Johns Hospital, Maplewood, Minnesota, following a brief illness.
Born in Duluth, Minnesota May 23, 1925, daughter of the late Anthony and Angeline Pollock, she was raised in Hibbing, Minnesota. She graduated from Hibbing High School, Hibbing Junior College, and the University of Minnesota. In 1945 she enrolled in the University of Minnesota Medical School.
In 1948 she married the late Dr. Ernest J. Sowada.
In 1969, after raising six children, she returned to Medical School, and in 1972, at the age of 47, received her MD degree from the University of Minnesota. She practiced medicine in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota for 15 years.
She designed a medical clinic, managed several property investments. was an outstanding classical pianist, and, as an accomplished birder, traveled extensively.
She resided in St. Paul for 55 years, in Dellwood, Minnesota for 10 years, and in Hopkins for 7 years.
She is survived by three sons, Ernest J. Sowada, Jr. and his wife Judy of Silver Spring, Maryland, Jeffrey A. Sowada and his wife Ronda of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, John M. Sowada and his wife Dr. Diana Valdez of Ft. Worth Texas; and two daughters, Elizabeth Linner and her husband Robert of Edina, Minnesota, and Mary Lapham and her husband Scott of Shoreview Minnesota. A fourth son, Mark L. Sowada, is deceased.
She has nine grandchildren, Matthew Sowada and his wife Robyn of Lancaster Pennsylvania, Jane Hasik and her husband Martin of Prague, Czech Republic, Brian Sowada and his wife Tina of Mahtomedi, Eric Sowada of Mahtomedi, Kathryn Linner of Edina, Laura Linner of Edina, Jane Linner of Edina, Sam Lapham of Shoreview, and Andy Lapham of Shoreview; and six great grandchildren.
She is survived by a brother, Anthony Pollock of Edina, and a sister, Antoinette Hunstiger of Minneapolis.
A private memorial service will be held. The family requests that you remember Dorothea by spending time with parents or loved ones.