Obituary for Barbara Ellen "Barb" Dowd (Annis)
Barbara (Barb) Ellen Dowd, of Suffield, died February 18, 2024 at home in Suffield, CT. Born April 2, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MI to Irma and Richard Annis. Barb grew up in Belmont, MI where she was a valedictorian and athlete (basketball) at Rockford High. She completed her BA in Elementary Education at Michigan, and later earned her Master’s at University of Saint Joseph.
After graduating, she and her husband lived on a family fruit farm for 2 years in Bloomingdale (PawPaw), MI before moving to CT in 1962. They built a home in West Suffield and raised a family. They bought a cottage on Great Pond in ME which became a favorite place. Later, they fulfilled a dream of moving to Main Street in Suffield, overlooking the golf course.
She was a lifelong educator, starting in the Suffield Co-op Preschool for 14 years before teaching 4th grade for another 39 years. She worked with students to inspire them to do their best work, helping them laugh, think and feel through reading and writing. She deeply loved every one. She was tough as nails with a heart of gold.
She had a tremendous capacity to love and care, especially for those who needed support. She made time to listen, make sandwiches for Loaves & Fishes, check in with friends and family, keep in touch with foreign exchange students and connect with her children and grandchildren.
For over 60 years she played integral roles as an active member of the First Congregational Church where she found life-long friends. More recently, she enjoyed being a part of a book club.
Barb leaves behind her beloved husband of 65 years, Roland, children Robin (Les) Zatony, Jeff (Jen Jalbert) Dowd, Jenny Dowd, and Mindy (Alex) Berg as well as grandchildren Danny, Sam (Hina), Molly (Peter) Lombardo, Ellie (Ethan), and Avery. She is predeceased by her daughter, Kim.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of the Kent Memorial Library, 50 North Main Street, Suffield, CT 06078 to support young readers who use the library playhouse in memory of Kim.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 81 High St, Suffield on February 24, 2024 at 10:30am, followed by a reception.
Streaming and recorded service are available through the firstchurchsuffield.org website. For online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
COPY & PASTE - LINK FOR CHURCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/live/1W3kA0dzVbk?si=C4GVz4HCXlzEutQ3
After graduating, she and her husband lived on a family fruit farm for 2 years in Bloomingdale (PawPaw), MI before moving to CT in 1962. They built a home in West Suffield and raised a family. They bought a cottage on Great Pond in ME which became a favorite place. Later, they fulfilled a dream of moving to Main Street in Suffield, overlooking the golf course.
She was a lifelong educator, starting in the Suffield Co-op Preschool for 14 years before teaching 4th grade for another 39 years. She worked with students to inspire them to do their best work, helping them laugh, think and feel through reading and writing. She deeply loved every one. She was tough as nails with a heart of gold.
She had a tremendous capacity to love and care, especially for those who needed support. She made time to listen, make sandwiches for Loaves & Fishes, check in with friends and family, keep in touch with foreign exchange students and connect with her children and grandchildren.
For over 60 years she played integral roles as an active member of the First Congregational Church where she found life-long friends. More recently, she enjoyed being a part of a book club.
Barb leaves behind her beloved husband of 65 years, Roland, children Robin (Les) Zatony, Jeff (Jen Jalbert) Dowd, Jenny Dowd, and Mindy (Alex) Berg as well as grandchildren Danny, Sam (Hina), Molly (Peter) Lombardo, Ellie (Ethan), and Avery. She is predeceased by her daughter, Kim.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of the Kent Memorial Library, 50 North Main Street, Suffield, CT 06078 to support young readers who use the library playhouse in memory of Kim.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 81 High St, Suffield on February 24, 2024 at 10:30am, followed by a reception.
Streaming and recorded service are available through the firstchurchsuffield.org website. For online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
COPY & PASTE - LINK FOR CHURCH SERVICE: https://www.youtube.com/live/1W3kA0dzVbk?si=C4GVz4HCXlzEutQ3