Obituary of Kay Dowd

Kay Dowd (Née Kathleen McDermott) August 1, 1939 – September 15, 2015 Chester, NY Kay Dowd of Chester, NY died peacefully at home on September 15, 2015. She was the first resident of Surrey Meadows, moving there from the Bronx in 1967 until her death at the age of 76. Kay was proud to say she was born and raised in the South Bronx. She was also proud to be born in the greatest year ever in movie history, with the premieres of such movies as "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind". She graduated from St. Pius High School and NY Foundling Hospital as a baby nurse. She began volunteering in cancer and tuberculosis hospitals at the age of 14, following her strong calling to help others. Kay retired from her beloved Arden Hill Hospital (AHH) in 2008 after 35 years of service. She spent most of her career in pediatric nursing before moving to the lab and then the front desk as supervisor and official "gate keeper". Interacting with patients and family members was a true joy for her, bringing solace to many during difficult times. She considered her AHH colleagues her family. Kay leaves behind her devoted daughter, Kathleen M. Dowd of Woodbury, CT, her beloved son Thomas J. Dowd of Pittsburgh, PA and cousins in Wales, Ireland and England. She was forever proud of her children's accomplishments in life, commenting, "both of my children are senior VPs in their companies and they got there through their own perseverance and hard work." Actually, Kay had much to do with her children's success --- instilling in them a strong work ethic, leadership, confidence and the importance of education. She served as a role model in her community, starting the Conservative Party in the 1970s, as well as the Home Owner's Association in Surrey Meadows. Kay was blessed with so many wonderful loyal friends over the years, including her lifelong friend Teresa Corcoran Lotierzo of Long Island. She traveled frequently to the Caribbean with her daughter Kathleen where she would bob around in the ocean for hours. Of course she gathered more friends from these travels and kept in touch, often meeting up on future trips. She also traveled to Egypt, Scandinavia and throughout Europe, happily being able to say, "been there, done that". A funeral mass by friend Father Trevor will be held at St. John's in Goshen, NY at 10:00am on Friday, September 25. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at Delancey's in Goshen immediately following mass until 5:00pm. All friends are welcome and encouraged to join. Kay was an avid animal lover and saved many a life from animal shelters over the years. If you would like to make a donation in her name to the Humane Society, she will smile down on you from heaven …. after she ends her Irish Jig and Reel.