Obituary of Shirley A. Dowd

DOWD, Shirley Ann of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Friday, June 14, 2013 at home, surrounded by family. She was 80 years old. Shirley Ann Christensen was born on September 19, 1932 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Albert and Iva (King) Christensen. She married Harry Dowd in 1954 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saginaw; he survives her. Shirley was in the choir at Holy Family Catholic Church, President of Gogebic County Search and Rescue, a Girl Scout Leader, and a girls' softball coach. Further, she earned her private pilot's license at the age of 50. Most of all, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family. Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Harry; son, Kevin Dowd; four daughters, Debrah Willey, Theresa (Robert) Dowd-Gross, Mary (Joseph) Merz, and Colleen Macheski; four grandchildren, Opal Ellison, Joe (Penny) Merz, Victoria Merz, and Danielle Macheski; two granddaughters, McKenzie Merz and Natalie Merz; twin brothers, Larry and Jerry Christensen; and sister, Donna Furlo. She was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings, Jim Christensen, Ed Christensen, June Griffus, and Betty Mehl; and son-in-law, Dan Willey. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St., Saginaw 48603. Rev. Fr. Randy Kelly will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Shirley will lie in state at the church on Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Stroke Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with Shirley's family at the church, funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.