Shirley M. Dowd

PAXTON – Shirley M. (Murphy) Dowd, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late James and Lena (Duclos) Murphy.

Shirley grew up in Worcester and graduated from the former St. Peters High School. She worked at American Telephone & Telegraph before dedicating all her time to family. She enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by five sons, Andrew Dowd of Paxton, Richard Dowd and his wife, Cheryl of North Attleboro, Kevin Dowd and his wife, Paula of Paxton, Stephen Dowd of Spencer, Dr. Dennis Dowd and his wife, Valerie Schiller of Paxton; two brothers, James Murphy and William Murphy; two sisters, Mary Lou Shagro and Jane Pelkey; 13 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jason, Sean, James, Jesse, Kate, Sarah, Christine, Caitlyn, Libby, Lauren, Grace and Meagan; and 6 great-grandchildren, Retta, Jack, Owen, Margo, Edmond and Nina. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Richard J. Dowd, who passed in 2003; a daughter, Deborah Stencel, who passed in July of 2012; two brothers, Jack Murphy and Joseph Murphy; and a sister, Jean Murphy.

Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid

At this time, there are no services scheduled. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA online at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-gn-p1?linked=1

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit her tribute wall.