The family moved to Bremerton area near Kitsap Lake in 1932, to a lovely rural setting. She attended Bremerton Schools and graduated from Bremerton High School in 1946. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Nursing in 1951 and worked as a nurse for many years and especially enjoyed working with new mothers and babies.
She met William Dowd while working at Harborview Hospital. They were married 10 July 1952, and had 41 years together before Bill died 9 August 1993, in Bellevue, Washington. Shirley and Bill resided in Bellevue for 49 years.
She is survived by sons- Richard William Dowd and his companion, Nancye Kirtley, and Robert Lloyd Dowd and his wife Carole. Step granddaughter Amy Gange, brother Ted, and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley enjoyed quilting, family history research, and gardening.
A funeral service will be held at Sunset Hills Funeral Home, located at 1575 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007, on January 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Following the funeral service, a committal service will take place at the same location from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
