Mrs. Thelma Mae (Birch) Dowd, a resident of Andover died at her home on Thursday evening, February 14, 2013. Thelma was the beloved wife of the late Francis J. Dowd, Sr. Born in Wyoming Minnesota, she was the beloved daughter of the late Theodore and Elsie (Thornquist) Birch. She was also the loving sister of the late John Birch.
Thelma was a homemaker who readily opened her home to friends, friends of her children, her extended family and neighbors. She had a welcoming dispostion and a wonderful, wry sense of humor. She lovingly hosted annual barbeques for family and friends. Thelma enjoyed playing solitaire and watching her favorite TV shows.
She will be sorely missed by her loving children: Kathy M. and her husband Paul M. Fitzmeyer of Haverhill; Debra J. and her husband Walter Crookes of Hampstead, New Hampshire; Shelly and her husband Craig S. Tetreault of Andover; Francis J. Dowd, Jr. of Andover and Jason M. and his wife Gail Dowd of Wilmington; sister Joanne Lepine of Andover, grandchildren Ellen H. and Emily A. Fitzmeyer; sister-in-law Irene Birch and several nieces and nephews.
Her services will be private with a memorial service planned at a later date.
Donations in Thelma's memory may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence , MA 01843.