Mary Dowling

Mary L. Dowling

Mary Louise Dowling, 88, of Fredericksburg died at her home Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002. Miss Dowling was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of Kathryn and M. Howard Dowling. Her sister, Kitty McNeil, and brother, Bud Dowling, predeceased her. Miss Dowling formerly lived in Washington, New York City, Falls Church and Delray Beach, Fla.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she attended the University of Wisconsin Graduate School. She taught at Duke University for five years. She was the director of field operations for the National Catholic Community Service. During World War II, Miss Dowling became national director of Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas SRAO for the American Red Cross in Europe. During her Red Cross career she worked with veteran's hospitals and Red Cross chapters in and around New York City. She was welcomed in November, 1955, for SRAO into Korea and later directed staff in Vietnam. Her many years of Red Cross service led to her appointment as national director of personnel at D.C. headquarters. She retired from the Red Cross in the late 1970s.

Survivors include her niece, Betty J. Glancy of Fredericksburg; nephew, Donald McNeil III of Cranberry Township, Pa.; several cousins; and numerous great-nieces and nephews who loved her dearly as "Aunt Pat."

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Following the service there will be a reception celebrating Miss Dowling's life at Chancellor's Village, 12100 Chancellor's Village Lane, Fredericksburg, for family and friends. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in Calvary Cemetery, 718 Hazelwood Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Mary Louise Dowling Leadership Enhancement Fund, Attn: National Treasurer, American Red Cross Overseas Association, 200 South Lebanon Road, Loveland, Ohio 45140-9304. Online guest book at www.covenantfuneralservice .com.