Phyllis Murray McDowell, Spouse of Former Headmaster

9/17/2025

Phyllis Murray McDowell died at her home in Chester, Conn., on September 12. She was 99. Phyllis was married to former Headmaster the late Edward "Ted" McDowell Jr. Two of her four daughters, Meg Smith and Kathryn Magown, attended Hamden Hall.

Phyllis is the daughter of Arthur Murray, the founder of the Arthur Murray dance studios, and she was a ballroom dancer. Phyllis attended the Shipley School and Vassar College, graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in 1948. She was accepted into graduate school at the University of Chicago and studied Psychology.

Hamden Hall extends condolences to the McDowell family. Please click here to read complete obituary.

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Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.