Rose M Dowling

February 5, 2018

ROSE M. DOWLING Beloved Mother and Grandmother Sacred Heart Parish Secretary Rose M. (Geary) Dowling passed away peacefully at home on February 5, 2018. She was the widow of Edward O. Dowling, Sr. who passed away in May 1971. Rose was born on November 2, 1926, the third of seven children to John and Agnes (O’Donnell) Geary. Raised in Lawrence, MA, she was educated at St. Augustine’s Grammar School and St. Mary’s High School. After high school she worked at the electric company until the birth of her first child. Later, Rose worked at the Sacred Heart Parish Rectory in Lowell for nearly 30 years until its closing in 2004, when she “finally” retired. Rose was an active member of the Sacred Heart parish community, where she was one of the first Eucharistic Ministers, a CCD teacher, a Cub Scout den mother, band mom, and participant in the annual Variety Show. She enjoyed taking trips with the Sacred Heart retirees, but most of all she loved her time with “the girls,” especially their monthly lunches. Her best friends, the girls were always so thoughtful to Rose, sending her prayers, cards, and sweet notes when she was unable to attend. She kept every one of them. Rose enjoyed reading, word searches, traveling, and spending time with her family. She also loved going on “Rose days,” which included going off to the beach with Beth and down to Foxwoods with Cathy and Jan. She was always up for fun and adventure, and her humor will be sadly missed. Rose married “her Eddie” in 1950, and they raised their six children in Lowell. She is survived by her children, Lieutenant Edward Dowling Jr, L.P.D. Ret. and his wife Maria (Alberghini) of Lowell, Deputy Chief John Dowling L.F.D. and his wife Patricia (Lorrey) of Dracut, Catherine Dowling of Dracut, Paul Dowling of Dracut, Marybeth Beauchesne and her husband Roger of Lowell with whom she resided, and Lawrence Dowling and his wife Stacy (Davenport) of Nashua; five grandchildren, Meghan Dowling, Brendan Dowling, Jenn Dowling, Michael Dowling, and Connor Dowling; many nieces and nephews, and her dearest friend Peggy Lally. She was the sister of the late Mary Petersen Plonowski, Kathleen Crandall, the Reverend John Geary, James Geary, Raymond Geary, and Daniel Geary. Rose was also the sister-in-law of the late Louis Petersen, Mitchell Plonowski, Kenneth Crandall, Ruth Geary, Ann Geary, Mary Geary, John and Mabel Dowling, and James and Anne Dowling. She was the mother-in-law of the late Karen Laine Dowling. The family would like to acknowledge their appreciation of Tricia Dowling, Cyndy Michaels, and Jan Guy whose love, support, and assistance made it possible for Rose to spend her last years at home with her family. FUNERAL NOTICE DOWLING—In Lowell, February 5, 2018 at her home, Rose M. Dowling, age 91, the beloved wife of the late Edward O. Dowling, Sr. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL on THURSDAY from 3 until 8 PM. Mrs. Dowling’s Funeral Mass will begin on FRIDAY MORNING at 8 o’clock from the Funeral Home, followed by her Funeral Mass at 9 o’clock at ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH, corner of Bridge and Sixth Sts. Lowell. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Rose’s memory may be made to the YWCA of Lowell, 97 Central St. #302, Lowell, MA 01852 ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com