Martha Ann Dowling, 83

HINSDALE, Mass. — Martha Ann Dowling of Hinsdale died Saturday, June 30, 2018, after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family when she took her last breath.

She was born July 11, 1934, to Maurice O'Connell and Grace Dehey O'Connell. She graduated from Dalton High School and, in 1955, from Bishop Memorial School of Nursing. She worked at Pittsfield General Hospital and gave loving, attentive care to many of her elderly family members as they aged. Later, she worked at Curtis Manor Nursing Home, continuing her service of helping patients in need. She was very involved in the civics of her town of Hinsdale and was a proud member of the Hinsdale Days Committee.

She loved to paint, listen to music, sing with her beautiful voice and do crafts - mostly with her grandkids. She was never afraid to display her wacky sense of humor or give you an unexpected big hug. She doted on her grandchildren and loved them dearly. Martha received loving care at the end of her life from the staff of Craneville Place in Dalton.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Dowling; her children, James E. Dowling, Kevin Dowling and his wife Joanne, Ann Marie Dassatt and her husband Tony, and Michael Dowling and his wife Sara Paul; her grandchildren, James E. Dowling Jr., Heather Tatro, Conor Dowling, Ryan Dowling, Tim Dowling, Kaitlyn Dassatt Salles, Jessica Dassatt, Willa Rose Dowling and Eve Dowling; and her gang of great-grandchildren, Brianna Dowling, Carlie Dowling, Larkin Dowling, Anorah Dowling, Kytalin Dowling, Turner Dowling, Frankie Dassatt, Emory Rose Dassatt, Easton Tatro and the brand spanking new Grace Dassatt-Salles; her sisters, Maureen O'Connell Tremante and Margaret O'Connell Honeycutt; and her brothers, Michael O'Connell and Bill O'Connell.

She was predeceased by her sister, Grace; her granddaughter Carmen; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Mary Hardy Dowling.

Martha will be missed by all.

Funeral notice: Services for Martha Ann Dowling will be held Friday, July 6, 2018, at 9:15 a.m. from Dery-Foley Funeral Home in Dalton, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by Rev. Christopher Malatesta, Pastor. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Hinsdale.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, July 5, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery-Foley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Agnes Church or Hinsdale Food Pantry, in care of the funeral home, 890 Main Street, Dalton.