Elizabeth (Betty) M. Dowd

April 3, 2018

Elizabeth (Betty) M. Dowd, 88, a life-long resident of Carbondale, died Tuesday at home.

Born September 5, 1929, in Carbondale, daughter of the late Leo M. and Florence Toolan Dowd, Betty was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. She was totally devoted to her parish and her Catholic faith. During many decades, she was committed to raising funds for her parish by managing their bingo, serving on their festival committee and, for a period of time, was the chairperson of the church’s finance committee. A strong believer in the merits of Catholic schools, she was on the tuition aid committee at St. Rose Elementary School. A graduate of Carbondale Benjamin Franklin High School, Betty was a firm believer in advanced education. She received an associate degree from the University of Scranton, bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in secondary counseling from Marywood University. Betty achieved her advanced degrees while having an extensive career at Bell Telephone. She was the first female in the state to hold an executive position managing the customer service division in the Scranton office and traveled to other areas of the state assuring great customer service. Following her career at Bell Telephone, she taught basic skills and resume’ writing for the Womens’ Employment Program while doing consulting and counseling. Later, she went on to teach organizing, managing and employee evaluation at Marywood University’s Gillet School. Betty was a very giving person. She helped many people in need from all walks of life. Betty’s belief was, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

The family would like to thank her caregivers, Diana, Tina, Delores and Jean and HHCP Hospice for their compassionate care.

Surviving are two sisters, Marian Bartosh, Peckville; Helen Kingsley, Johnson City, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Alberta Barnes, Lorraine and Florence Dowd; four brothers, Leo, Joseph, Daniel “Dean” and Walter Dowd.

The funeral was held on Friday, April 6, 2018, from Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 74 N. Main St., Carbondale, with Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rose of Lima Church at 11 a.m. Interment in Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.

A viewing was held on Friday, April 6 2018, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose Church, Carbondale in Elizabeth’s name.