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Rebecca Ann Dowdakin
Little Things owner dies of bone cancer
By Melissa Matchak
Rebecca Ann Dowdakin, a pioneer in the concept of resale children's clothing, died on Dec. 2 of bone cancer. The co-owner of Little Things in Willow Glen, Dowdakin had a passion for her work that her customers recognized and appreciated.
Born April 29, 1946, in San Jose, Dowdakin was a lifelong resident of Los Gatos. In April 1994, Dowdakin and longtime friend Jeni Strouss opened their children's clothing store, Little Things, at 1337 Lincoln Ave.
The store, which sells new and consignment clothing, toys and other baby and children's equipment, such as strollers, was voted No. 1 in West Magazine as the Bay Area's best children's resale store.
The store also offers children's haircuts by appointment and baby's first haircuts free before the first birthday.
Dowdakin's store was not her only passion. Friend and high school classmate Strouss said she was very active in the Los Gatos Christian Church and with her children's school, Los Gatos Christian School.
Strouss said she helped in the school's kitchen all the time. Dowdakin was very active in the Willow Glen community for 24 years. She also had a passion for gardening and flowers.
Dowdakin and Strouss built their store--and their large, loyal clientele--from the ground up. Little Things employee Stephanie Phillips said it was not uncommon for friends and customers to spend time chatting with Dowdakin in the store.
When they obtained the building, Strouss said it was painted black inside and sold skull-and-crossbones jewelry. Now the store is a soothing blue and filled with colorful children's clothes and toys, and sells silver charms and jewelry. Dowdakin and Strouss did all the work on their store themselves.
Although she survived a battle with breast cancer 14 years ago, Dowdakin was diagnosed with bone cancer two years ago.
Dowdakin, who was 54, is survived by her husband, Thomas, of 28 years and their four children, Michael, Lisa, Mary and Patrick. Memorial services were held on Dec. 5, at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
