Phyllis Sara Dowd

Phyllis Sara Dowd, 81, of Bokeelia, FL and Willimantic, CT passed away November 14, 2017 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  She was the beloved wife of the late William J. Dowd and the daughter of the late Max and Margaret Brock.  Phyllis was born May 22, 1936 and grew up in New York City.  She was a very proud graduate of the University of Connecticut, and it was there that Phyllis met her husband Bill with whom she shared 57 years of marriage.  She and Bill raised their family in Tolland, CT and then enjoyed a wonderful retirement, splitting their time between CT and FL and traveling extensively.

Phyllis valued education, her community, and the arts. She ran her own nursery school, the Grove Street Creative Nursery School in Rockville CT.  Over the years she taught classes in education, as well as tailoring and upholstery.  Phyllis was an exceptional artist.  She enjoyed creating her own art, particularly pottery, but she was also passionate about bringing the arts to her community.  She was an original member of Arts of Tolland, an active member of the Pine Island Art Association and Wesleyan Potters, a past director of the Greater Mansfield Council for the Arts, and a former member of the Southwest Florida Art Council and the State of Connecticut Commission on the Arts.  Phyllis never hesitated to volunteer in her community or to help a friend.  She was a Girl Scout leader, a proud and active member of the Tolland Democratic Party, and for many years a member of the Interfaith Sewing and Service Group in Willimantic.

Phyllis cherished her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Scott Ladd, her son and daughter-in-law, William and Kye Dowd, and her daughter, Diane Dowd.  She leaves her beloved grandchildren, Charles Ladd, Artur Dowd, and Victoria Dowd.  She also leaves her sister, Joan Flood, her sister-in-law, Lynda Dowd, her nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’s memory may be made to Wesleyan Potters, 350 South Main St, Middletown, CT 06457. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.  A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Phyllis and her life will be planned for the spring. 

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