Katrina Lynn Penland McDowell

Mrs. Katrina Lynn Penland McDowell, age 62, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026 at the SECU Hospice Care Center in Yadkinville, NC. She was born on April 27, 1964, in Forsyth County to Samuel Bruce Penland, Sr. and Daisy Elaine Hauser Penland.

Katrina graduated from West Forsyth High School in 1982, and attended Wingate College before transferring to Cabarrus Memorial School of Nursing, graduating in 1986 as a Registered Nurse.

Katrina retired in 2021 with a Masters in nursing. She began her nursing career at Baptist Hospital, working in various units and always known for her work ethic and her compassion to her patients. For many years, she worked for Mt Valley Hospice first as a bedside nurse then as Director of Compliance and Education, ensuring everyone was trained and knowledgeable. She found her truest purpose in supporting patients through the end of life journey. Katrina’s compassion knew no bounds; she cared for every person she met and loved her patients like family. Katrina also continued to serve her patients at Trellis Hospice and at Novant Forsyth Hospital before officially retiring.

When she wasn't at work, Katrina treasured the life she shared with her husband, Richard. The two were happiest together, enjoying the simple comforts of home, family, and their beloved dogs. Katrina filled her time with the things she loved most: her family, gardening, crafting, singing, cooking, spending time friends and always loving on her doggies. Giving is what she knew best.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Mayfield McDowell; her mother, Daisy Elaine Hauser Penland; her father, Samuel Bruce Penland, Sr; her grandparents; aunts and uncles; and some of her beloved dogs.

She is survived by her sister, Karen Penland Cribb (Neil); brother, Sam Penland, Jr (his girlfriend, Jess); her treasured sister-in-law, Patty Gashel Penland; nieces, Sarah Garletts (JR), Emily Ksanznak (Matt), Abbey Chisenhall (Jonathon), Lauren Hall (John); nephew, Derek Penland; five great-nephews and a niece: Bennett and Kemper Garletts, Clayton and Logan Ksanznak, Jedidiah and Eleanor Chisenhall. She also has several cousins who she claimed as nieces and nephews and whom she doted and loved so, so dearly. She also leaves behind her two dogs, Scooter and Hazel.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel in Advance, NC and officiated by SECU Hospice Chaplain, Mark Brown. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests sustainable snacks, meal provisions or monetary donations to the SECU Hospice House of Yadkinville for their devoted passion and care to people at the end of their life. You may bring these to the service or directly to the Hospice home.