Claire Mildred Dowling

Claire Dowling, our family matriarch, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 years and 3 months at her beloved home of 54 years in the Township of Washington. Born in 1923 to Mabel and John Albert Davis, and the only girl of seven children, she was an extremely proud native of Jersey City. She subsequently lived in Manhattan, Fair Lawn, Fords, and the Township of Washington, but her heart always stayed in Jersey City. She is predeceased by her husband John, and all of her brothers.

Throughout her life, Claire was blessed with a large and loving family. She was the devoted mother of six children: Mary (Tom) Polk, John (Toni - deceased), Kathy (Jose) Arocha, Philip (Ellen), Betsy (John - deceased) Amicucci, and Aedan (Noreen). She had special relationships with each of her 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was surrounded all her life by her extended family and friends, all of whom were welcomed into her home.

Claire found happiness and serenity at the Jersey Shore. For many years, her extended family would gather in August at Pelican Island, where she loved to entertain. She also had a great passion for the New Jersey Nets and was disgruntled when they moved to Brooklyn.

Finally, Claire was a woman filled with faith, who while devoted to her loved ones in this world, was also prepared to join her family in Heaven. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 28th from 9:00-10:45am at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. A funeral Mass will be celebrated also on Wednesday at 11:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 668 Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington. Interment at Holy Name Cemetery, 823 West Side Ave, Jersey City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Mass Intentions in memory of Mrs. John Dowling.