Jean Dowling Waterford – Jean Lois Dowling, 80, formerly of Cheshire, died Friday, May 11, 2018, at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. She was born in Limestone, Maine on January 6, 1938, the daughter of Alphonse and Mary Beaulieu. She married John R. Dowling on June 21, 1958. He survives her. While focused on being a loving wife and mother, Jean was also a serial entrepreneur. A graduate of Thomaston High School, Jean used her knowledge and talents in a number of different careers over the years. These included personnel director for Technicraft in Thomaston, working as a commercial model for a number of prominent CT companies, and as a buyer for Bovano’s before moving into real estate. Starting as a building coordinator, Jean became the office manager before getting her broker’s license. The entrepreneurial bug wasn’t done however, as Jean ran a home decorating business, opened a yarn shop and was a color/image consultant. Following her creative instincts, Jean shifted to handcrafting custom jewelry. Her adventurous and independent spirit kept leading her into new opportunities. In her later years, Jean assumed her favorite role, that of doting grandmother. Although busy developing her expertise in these varied fields, Jean was always devoted to her children, ensuring they did well in school and supporting their shift into professional careers. She loved card games and was a fierce competitor until the games ended, when the youngest child always received the ‘winnings’ from money cards. Jean also loved to entertain family and friends in her warm and inviting home. Her wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh will be sorely missed at future family gatherings. In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her son John “Jay” Dowling and his wife Jennifer Gaffney; her daughter Deborah Dowling and her husband Martin J. Fenelon, III; her sisters Dorothy Emme, Diana Vensel and Shirley Sweeney. She has two grandchildren, Lily Beth Dowling and Martin Sean Fenelon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Agnes Church on Saturday, June 9. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be shared on Mrs. Dowling’s memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Lois Dowling 2018. Thomas L Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes
Death notice for the town of: New London, state: Connecticut