Florence Mary McDowell was born in 1888 to William Lenox Dugan, originally from Castlerock, County Londonderry, and Mary Jane (née Kidley). At age five, her family moved from Derry to Doagh, where her father took up farming. Her mother, one of the daughters of the owner of Cogry Mill, passed away two years after their move, leaving Florence and her four siblings in the care of their Aunt Laetitia, a former matron of Foyle College.

Florence began her teaching career in 1903, working at Cogry Mills National School and Kilbride Central Primary School, before retiring in 1948. A photograph, presumably the only one of her from that period, shows her standing in a doorway to the left of a school group in Cogry.

She authored two books, "Other Days Around Me" (1966) and "Roses and Rainbows" (1972), reflecting on her rural upbringing during the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras. Her first book was published at the age of 78, followed by her second at 83.

Her work received significant acclaim, with Sam Hanna Bell praising "Other Days Around Me" for capturing the essence of a country childhood. The Ulster Medical Journal highlighted the book's contribution to Ulster literature and social history.

In 1972, local filmmaker Archie Reid, with help from Florence's daughters Iza and Joan, created a film based on "Other Days Around Me". It featured local residents and was shot at various locations described in the book. The film, which included traditional fiddle music by John Crooks, won several awards including Best Film at the London Film Festival.

Inspired by the filmmaking process, Florence wrote "Roses and Rainbows", recounting her days as a monitress teacher in Cogry, completing it as the film was edited. She passed away on March 11, 1976, at age 87, and is buried in the old churchyard in Kilbride.

Florence was also known for her singing talents, performing at the silent cinema in Cogry, which opened in 1919 and seated 400 people. Though it closed in 1932, it continued hosting concerts, some organized by Florence. She met her husband near her home in Doagh at the 'tumbling' bridge, a local landmark.