Mary Katharine Lackey Stowell (affectionately known as “MK”) of Riverside, CT and formerly of Vero Beach, FL, died peacefully at Edgehill in Stamford on February 23, 2026. MK was born in New York City on August 27, 1930, to the late Katharine and Frank Lackey. 
In 1953, MK married the love of her life, Samuel Curtis Stowell, who predeceased her in 2011. They were married 58 years and raised their five children in Riverside. She was a graduate of Abbot Academy, Class of 1948 (now Phillips “Andover” Academy) and Connecticut College, Class of 1952.
She was a long-time member (over 60 years) of Greenwich Country Club where she was an avid golfer and an active member and former Chair of the Ladies Golf Committee. She was also a member of the Women’s Westchester & Fairfield County Golf Association since 1982, where she served as President from 1995-97. Additionally, she was a former member of both Hawk’s Nest Golf Club and The Riomar Country Club in Vero Beach, FL.
MK was a devoted wife, a loving and steadfast mother, and a deeply cherished grandmother. Her family was the heart of her world, and she found her greatest joy in nurturing their happiness and well-being. Her enduring spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved her.
In addition to family, giving back to the community was a cornerstone of her life. She instilled the importance of volunteering in her children. MK was an active volunteer at the MEWS, served on the Board of the Merry-Go-Round, was a long-standing member of the Junior League of Greenwich, to name a few. As a young mother, she spent a great deal of her time volunteering in her children’s various schools.
MK is survived by her children Samuel Curtis Stowell, Jr. (JoAnn Woods) of Kingston, RI; Mary Nelson (Drew) of New Canaan; Susan Chapman (Peter) of Savannah, GA; William Stowell (Libby) of Darien, and Robert Stowell (Yorling Campos) of Costa Rica; along with 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother William Lackey of Scarborough, Maine and her sister Elizabeth (“Bran”) Johnston of Bethesda, MD, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Sam, she is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Dan Lackey and his wife, Esu.
For the past 8 years, MK resided at Edgehill in Stamford, where she received the best of care at the end of her life. The family would like to thank all the staff at Edgehill and her aide, Muriel, for the care and compassion they gave to MK.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Phillips “Andover” Academy or your favorite charity. To leave an online condolence, please visit, www.