Mary Joan Dowling

Mary Joan (Marijo) Dowling, 89, passed peacefully into eternity on April 25, 2021 with her family by her side in Poulsbo, Washington.

Marijo was born November 3, 1931, in Chicago, IL to George and Margaret Gerding. She married in 1953, moved to California in 1965, retired in Prescott, Arizona in 1993 and moved to Poulsbo, WA in 2002 to be closer to family when her husband Jim's health began to fail.

Her interests included family, genealogy, gardening, reading and prayer. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members, including her husband Jim until he passed away at age 79.

In her final moments, not having been conscious for many hours, Marijo's eyes suddenly opened wide. Looking up, beyond those in the room, she smiled the most beautiful smile of recognition and tried to call out. Jesus was calling her home.

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. Wisdom 3:1

Marijo is survived by her daughter Sheila Ottersen (Tim); son Richard Dowling (Laurell); 5 grandchildren Sarah (Ryan), Jonathan (Ruth), Eric (Chandra), Christopher, and Kathleen; and 2 great-grandchildren (Declan and his baby brother arriving in August).

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Scott Dowling.

The family wants to thank the staff of Martha and Mary for their love and compassion during the final months of her illness.

Friends and family may make donations in Marijo’s name to Prepares Pregnancy & Parenting Support. The link can be found below, under Memorial Contributions.

A funeral mass will be held at noon on July 10 at St. Olaf's Catholic Church in Poulsbo
Washington. Rosary at 11:30.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA