Margaret C. (Curran) Dowd

WESTFIELD—Margaret C. Dowd, wife of the late Patrick H. Dowd, was called to eternal life on January 24, 2025, at the age of 88. 

A proud Holyoke native, Peggy was born into the family of Anna (Silberman) and Maurice Curran. Her older siblings were Michael P. Curran of Canton and Eileen (Curran) Mahar of Florence.

She taught at the Highland School in Holyoke following her 1958 graduation from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, moving to Westfield in 1961 where she lived the rest of her life. She was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, where she taught CCD for 12 years. She began her library career in the 1970’s as a parent volunteer at Westfield’s Highland School. She retired in 2000 after 20 years at the Westfield Athenaeum, having also served as a Corporator.

Peggy and her husband were Irish dual citizens who made many trips to Ireland. They annually visited their son in Atlanta, and their daughter and son-in-law at various naval bases on both coasts and abroad. Peggy was a member of the Sons of Erin, an avid reader, and also enjoyed sewing, knitting, cross-stitch and crewel embroidery.

In retirement, she was a long-time member of the close-knit YMCA water aerobics class, where she made many great friends. She regrets not living long enough to achieve free membership.

Mother of Matt, Annie and Chris; grandmother of Fiona. “Aunto” was a great aunt to Tommy, Eileen, Tom, Mike, Cathy, Donna, Ned, Stephen, Mark, Mossy, Dan, Alison, Maureen, Pat, Mary, Nan, Megan, Brendan, Tom, Colm; and great-aunt to 43 more.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 9AM from the Firtion-Adams, 76 Broad St., Westfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett St. Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 2-4PM in the funeral home.

To make a gift in memory of Margaret C. Dowd, she requested you consider Elms College (//elms.edu/alumni/support-elms/make-a-gift) or St. Mary’s Church (//stmarysofwestfield.com/memorial-gifts).

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