Obituary of Dianne M. M. Dowd

It is with great sadness that the family of Dianne Margaret Mary Dowd (née Peters) of Saint John, cherished wife of Bruce Joseph Dowd announces her passing, which occurred on Sunday March 12, 2017 at the Loch Lomond Village after a lengthy illness. Born January 24, 1948 in Saint John, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth George Peters and the late Margaret Mary (Boudreau) Peters. Dianne devoted her life to the service of others, her family and her church. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than to do for others. She was well known for feeding all those that came through her door hungry or not. Contented by the simple pleasures in life Dianne cherished her time spent at home in her backyard with her family and friends. Dianne personified elegance and grace. She appreciated the finer things in life but was not defined by them. Her kindness, empathy and nurturing nature was felt by many. Without hesitation Dianne would give the shirt off her back, the shoes off her feet or food from her plate. Dianne was the mother that many aspire to be, selfless, unconditionally loving and steadfast in the word of God. A caring and compassionate soul, Dianne treated all those that crossed her path throughout her life with respect including all of "God’s creatures" as she lovingly referred to the animals. Dianne was attentive to those around her and left you feeling uplifted. A graduate of St. Vincent’s High School and St. Thomas University, a true teacher Dianne had passion for learning and educating at every opportunity: in the classroom teaching French, in catechism teaching of our Lord or in the grocery store teaching young staff how to recognize "quality". In addition to her career as a teacher, Dianne worked alongside her husband to build their long standing family business, Dowd Roofing. Dianne was an active member of St. Pius X parish where she served as a reader and a member the adult funeral servers ministry.Dianne took great comfort in her faith. God has called his loyal servant home; she will be sadly missed by those she leaves behind. In addition to her husband of 46 years, Bruce, Dianne will be missed by their children Melanie Martell (Derek) and Anthony "Tony" Dowd; precious granddaughter Gabrielle Martell all of Saint John; sister Brenda McDermott (Carl) of Saint John; brother, Wallace Peters (Jacqueline) of Burlington, Ontario; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and one maternal uncle Victor Boudreau (Edna) of Tecumseh, Ontario. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Wednesday March 15, 2017 and Thursday March 16, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Church, 316 Somerset Street, Saint John on Friday March 17, 2017 at 10:00 am. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to SPCA-Animal Rescue or any charity of the donor’s choice.