Betty Nelly Dowd

her spirit and involvement and selfless sacrifices throughout her life, and will be missed by all of those lives she touched.

She was born in Chile, South America, approximately 63 years ago she settled in the Tampa area. Betty was a devout Catholic and was a long time member of Sacred Heart Church of Tampa where she was a long standing member of the Ladies Guild, and founded "Betty's Babies," for the church that collected annual donations for annual distribution of baby clothes and items to new mothers on Mother's Day. Betty was also an active member of the Lamplighters Non profit Organization where she volunteered that raised money for the Metropolitan Ministries and the Joshua House of Tampa. In addition, she volunteered for the Red Cross Association and was an active member of the Neighborhood Crime Watch. As well as, an active member and substantial donor to the Tampa History Center. She volunteered at the Straz Center, the Henry B Plant Museum, the Ybor City Museum, and in her earlier years was an active member of the Spanish Lyric Theater and founding member of the decades strong Ecuadorian club of Tampa. Betty worked at The City of Tampa Planning Division where she retired from. She was loved by employees at the City as well as the Mayor at the time she retired. Betty was given several certificates of accomplishment throughout the years as well as one of her last where she was honored by the

Spanish Heritage Society as woman of the year for her contributions to the local Latin community. Betty had a passion for history and traveling and had the opportunity to travel to many places throughout the world.

Betty is survived by her four children, Henry Dowd, Emily Dowd (Elaine). Roland Dowd. Elizabeth KelIy (Bob); grandchildren, Jennifer Racoma (Joe); great-grandchildren, Destino, and Tatiana Racoma, Lindsey Finer, (Bob); great-grandson, Rizon Finer, Nicole Ryan (Colin); great-grandchildren, Kellan, Aidan and Tripp Ryan, Kristina Carlon (Lance); great-grandchildren, Brixton, Harper, Selah, Delaney and Mabel Carlon. Though Betty is no longer with us she will live with us in spirit through her tremendous legacy and

love and devotion.

The family will receive friends at a Service and Celebration of her life on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at 11am, a brief service will follow at 11:30 am followed by reception. Held at Blount and Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Ave., Tampa, FLorida 33610.