Gerry had 3 great loves in her life – God, family & service to others. Her parents were the late Mary & Manuel Mello and she was the final survivor of her two sisters. Her Portuguese family was very generous, loving and hard working. Gerry was 1st generation American Citizen and attended St. Rose McCarthy School and Hanford High School.
In 1946 she married Martin K. Dowd and they had 6 children: Mary Johnston (Michael), Marty Dowd Jr., Barbara Dowd-Peters (Bob), Shirley Martella (Tom), Gary Dowd (Gina) and Patty Dowd-Avila (Mike).
Her legacy of inclusivity, kindness and compassion was passed on to her 19 grandchildren: Jon & Tiffany Stewart, Karin & Brian Timmerman, Dani Robison, Marti Dowd & Carmen Cueva, Tom Hopkins, Bobby & Denise Peters, David Peters & Leah Stiglianese, Jason (deceased) & Julie Martella, Tommy & Alicia Martella, Therese Montoya, Kathryn & Michael Avila.
She had 18 great grandchildren: Taylor (deceased) & Carson Timmerman, Wyatt, Rylie & Sierra Robison, Miley Perez, Quinn Ashly & Kristin Soverns, Blake, Emily & Tyler Peters, Bailey Peters, Korryn Kennedy & Curtis Loughridge, Merribeth & Allison Martella, Kelsey & Kaeton Martella.
She had 1 great, great grandchild: Declan Souza.
No one loved or appreciated life as much as Gerry and she lived it to its fullest. Her answer was almost always “YES” – Let’s do it, let’s make it, let’s share it and let’s go. Her culinary skills were legendary and there was always something delicious in the oven, from boysenberry pies to German Chocolate cake and holiday dinners, all were memorable.
Her entire life was family and she was their true North. As a testament to the kind of Mother she was, her children were devoted to her every need. They disputed over who “was lucky enough to have her” and she knew it. In her declining years as her abilities decreased her children were able to give her the kind of love and support she had always given them. They loved and cared for her, not out of duty, but with pride and honor. They tried to reflect what she had always given them… undying, unwavering, unconditional love.
Gerry was fiercely loved and cherished… often she would say “I don’t know what I did to deserve all this good care”. But her children and friends knew.
She was humble and the truest expression of God’s love and grace.
Just a couple of weeks before she passed she talked to her favorite Santa “Tuzzi” and requested a very late but special gift for a little girl, which of course he granted. Even Santa loved her best.
She gave 96 years of life that embodied all that God expected and beyond. She loved passionately without attachment or demand. She gave generously of her time to anyone that needed it. She listened without judgment or comment. She always allowed complete access to her heart. She was always beautifully and courageously vulnerable. She was fearless and adventurous. She forgave everyone, every time. And when she loved you… It was felt from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.
Long live the radiance and beauty, of this incredible lady, as it trickles down onto all of us. May we always honor her memory by doing good.
Services will be on: January 28, 2023 at 9am
@ Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Hanford
