Obituary of Kathleen B. O'Dowd

Kathleen Bernadette O’Dowd passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025.  Her 82 years of life radiated unconditional love for family and friends.  Katie's infectious laughter and never-ending positivity touched everyone around her. To know her was to love her.
 
Born in 1942 in Queens, New York to the late Jack and Regina Cronin (McCarrick), Katie was the second youngest of five children which included siblings Bob, Jack, Maureen and Jeanne.  After moving to Nassau County, New York, the family later moved to Suffern, New York.  Upon graduating from Suffern High School, Katie pursued a career in nursing and set on lifelong journey of serving others.  Katie was a proud Registered Nurse graduate of the St. Joseph’s School Nursing in Paterson, New Jersey.  Katie’s nursing career spanned many decades and included practicing at Cornell Medical Center, Good Samaritan, St. Clare’s Health and the Office of Dr. Patricia Dreyfuss.  Katie maintained lifelong friendships with many of her nursing colleagues.

In 1966, Katie married the love of her life Edward O’Dowd of Pine Brook, New Jersey.  From that day forward, Katie was a proud “Jersey Girl.”  Katie and Ed started their life together in Parsippany, New Jersey.  From 1967 to 1975, Katie and Ed brought their four children into the world: Debbie, Ed, Kevin and Dan.  Her family was raised in Rockaway, New Jersey where the family home remains.  The O’Dowd family home was a house filled with love, happiness, fun and humor for nearly 50 years.  Countless lifelong memories were created at this home for the many family and friends who spent time there. Katie cherished every one of her family’s life milestones, no matter how small, and celebrated with enthusiasm.  She took great joy in highlighting every family event from birthdays to holidays, to school, career and life accomplishments.  All were celebrated with a cake and singing! Katie's laughter and joy were contagious, and she always brought warmth and happiness to any gathering.

Katie's selflessness was truly remarkable.  She always put other needs before her own.  As a mother, she took great pride and was deeply involved in her children’s lives and activities.  She never missed a game, activity or school event.  When she became a grandmother, she maintained a passion for always knowing what was current in each of her twelve grandchildren’s lives.  Katie loved life and loved it to the fullest.  She loved to travel and seek out great restaurants.  Some of her happiest times were spent by the water, with a particular love of the Jersey Shore.  Lifelong memories of happiness were created by the decades of O’Dowd family summer vacations down the shore.
 
Katie took great pride in her role as the family matriarch.  Katie was a devout Catholic, a proud American, and deeply connected to her Irish heritage.  These beliefs have all been passed on to her children and grandchildren.
   
Katie has made a positive impact on all whom she interacted with, whether it be someone she just met or her friends and family who loved her so much.  Katie was known for her colorful personality, compassion and quick wit.
 
Above all, Katie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her family was the center of her world, and she will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, laughter and the countless memories she created with those who loved her. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her parents and her older brother Jack.
 
Katie leaves only happy memories to her loving husband Ed, adored children, Debbie (Rob) Campbell, of Randolph, NJ, Ed (Laura) O’Dowd, Jr. of Plano, TX, Kevin (Mary) O’Dowd of Princeton, NJ and Dan (Krystin) O’Dowd of Naples, FL; her twelve cherished grandchildren, Kyle, Rob, Mikey, Nicole, Audrey, Ana, Veronica, Patrick, Alexia, Kendall, Jack and Kevin and her brother Bob, sister Maureen and sister Jeanne, along with her brothers and sisters in-law, many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were fortunate to know her.

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family on Sunday, April 6th, from 3-7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 7th at 10 am at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 90 Church Street, Rockaway, New Jersey.  Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Mt. Hebron Road, Upper Montclair, New Jersey.