Obituary of Dolores V. Gowdy

Dolores V. Gowdy, 88, of Lakewood, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Dolores was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 1, 1936, to the late Joseph and Julia Breen. She graduated from Paulsboro High School in 1954 and moved to Island Heights, NJ soon after with her parents. Dolores would soon meet the love of her life; Ralph and they started a family together. Dolores was a devoted housewife who always prioritized family. Dolores enjoyed swimming and reading and was a member of a bowling league back in her younger years. She was a devoted Altar Rosary Society member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. More importantly, her grandchildren were the light of her life. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph B. Gowdy, Jr., and son, Richard Gowdy. Dolores is survived by her sons, Michael Gowdy and his wife Carolyn, and Glenn Gowdy and his wife Sharon; daughter, Joan Handschuch and her husband Jim; daughter-in-law, Joanne Gowdy; grandchildren, Jackie (Justin), Christine (Trevor), Kevin (Nicole), Laura (Roger), Jimmy (Jackie), Kaitlyn (James), Harley (Gabi), and Savannah (Mikey), and great-grandchildren, Lexi, Dani, Charlie, Samantha, Charlotte, Lochlin, Lorelei, Cash, Roger, and another babygirl on the way. A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ. Inurnment to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 62 Cedar Grove Road, Toms River, NJ.