Frances T. Dowd
March 2, 1943 – March 10, 2021
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Frances Taylor Dowd on March 10, 2021 at the age of 78. Fran was preceded in death by her father, Charles O. Taylor, her mother, Evelyn Taylor Gunlach, and stepfather, Norman F. Gunlach. She is survived by Duane, her loving husband of 56 years; their children: Kelley Curley (Greg), Matthew Dowd (Mary), and Meghan Schlattmann (Brian); ten grandchildren: Frances, Gregory and Daniel Curley, Patrick, Maggie, Kate and Timothy Dowd, Nora, Elizabeth and Evelyn Schlattmann; brother, Charles O. Taylor; and numerous loved family members.
Fran was born on March 2, 1943 in North Bend, NE to Charles O. Taylor and Evelyn (Grogan) Taylor. She attended Schuyler High School and went on to Creighton University, graduating in 1965.
Fran was very active in the Omaha community. As a founding member of the Loveland Garden Club, she was instrumental in its admittance to the Garden Club of America. She cherished her work with the Lauritzen Gardens, the Nebraska Humane Society, and various other organizations.
With her family, Fran has been a long-time parishioner at Saint Margaret Mary Church. She was deeply committed to Catholic education, including Saint Margaret Mary’s School, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Creighton Preparatory School, and Creighton University. Fran loved and was supportive of the great work being done by CUES and the Jesuit Middle School of Omaha.
Fran had many dear friends who shared her love for tennis, books, bikes, gardening, needlepoint and dogs. She enjoyed attending and supporting Creighton athletics with her husband Duane and family. Granny’s greatest passion was spending time with her ten grandchildren, each of whom adored her.
Fran touched many lives. Her kindness, perpetual smile, positive energy, and compassion were infectious. The babies, children, dogs, families, and friends she loved so dearly will miss her.
VISITATION observing CDC guidelines: Monday, March 15th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, March 16th at 10am, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St. Interment, Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials can be directed to CUES, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Jesuit Academy, Lauritzen Gardens, Nebraska Children’s Home Society, or Nebraska Humane Society.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
11 Comments
Dear Dowd Family,
In such an unexpected and early death of someone as lovely as Fran words of consolation don’t really provide solace. Your entire family has been more than just good neighbors from childhood but, to me at least, have been special souls who blessed us just by us knowing you. Your misfortune and your pain is felt deeply. You are all in my prayers.
Megan, Brian & family
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Please know you’re all in my prayers.
Frances- I’ll never forget your kindness & the first time I met you. Oh how we chatted. May you rest in peace.
I’m sorry for the loss of such an important and beloved person in your family.
Oh Meg I’m so sorry to hear of your moms passing. Mrs Fran was always so kind to me. Sending my condolences and prayers. Will be praying for you and your family
Sending comforting hugs from New York to Kelley Dowd Curley and her loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Duane and Family, My deepest sympathies to all of you in your loss. Fran was a beautiful lady who will be missed by many. May you memories help ease the pain at this most difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss. She exuded joy and love, and her beautiful continence will be missed.
Duane and family,
Sending our condolences in this time of sorrow. Fran will be missed deeply everyone who knew her. She was a a kind and loving person who touched many lives.
Dear Kelley and family,
With extremely saddened heart that I join you in saying goodbye to your lovely mom.
Whenever grandma was in town, it was a party! I will always remember her with love and happiness.
Rest In Peace and with love.
Meghan, I was sorry to learn of your mother’’s death. I enjoyed getting to know her at Duchesne. She was always so proud of you. I also would run into her at Village Needleworks. She always recognized me and we would chat about our families. Please know I have been praying for you. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in You. Carol Classe
Diane and family so sad to hear of the passing of your wife, mother and grandmother. Fran was a ray of sunshine when she was around. She had such an endearing smile and warm heart! Prayers for all!
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