Obituary for Marsha S. Dowling
Marsha S. Dowling, 71, of Apollo Beach, FL (formerly of Middletown, CT) passed away peacefully at home with her family on July 21, 2021 after a brave battle with lung cancer. Born in Middletown, CT, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Frances (Dawicki) Zabiski.
Marsha lived the majority of her life between Middletown and Portland CT prior to moving to Florida late in life. Throughout her many years in New England, she worked for 38 years as a Quality Assurance Inspector at Pratt & Whitney, obtained an Associate’s Degree in Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Counseling from Middlesex Community College, and also graduated from the University of Connecticut Advanced Master Gardener program.
Marsha believed in volunteering in her community – from Girl Scout troop leader, precinct captain of her local political party, to the community garden built under her leadership. Her work in that garden led to her receiving the William T. Lowry III Friend of the Extension award which recognizes a volunteer who has rendered outstanding public service and support to the UConn Cooperative Extension System in Middlesex County. In addition to her volunteer work, she enjoyed cooking and eating great food, tending to her many plants and gardens, spending time and taking car rides with her grand-dog Nesta, and visiting and chatting with her countless friends.
Marsha is survived by her husband of 17 years Philip Dowling, daughter Michele Jordan and her husband Greg of Wake Forest, NC, and her son Justin Lockhart of Brandon, FL.
Along with her husband, Marsha is also survived by her sisters Gail Bogdan, Sandra Wardwell, Patricia McCane, and her brother Jerome Zabiski and his wife Terry. Besides her mother and father, Marsha was also predeceased by her sister, Geraldine Jacobson.
A graveside service is open to the public and will be held on Monday, August 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery. A Celebration of Marsha’s life will be held in CT at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marsha's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit SouthernFuneralCare.com.
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Marsha lived the majority of her life between Middletown and Portland CT prior to moving to Florida late in life. Throughout her many years in New England, she worked for 38 years as a Quality Assurance Inspector at Pratt & Whitney, obtained an Associate’s Degree in Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Counseling from Middlesex Community College, and also graduated from the University of Connecticut Advanced Master Gardener program.
Marsha believed in volunteering in her community – from Girl Scout troop leader, precinct captain of her local political party, to the community garden built under her leadership. Her work in that garden led to her receiving the William T. Lowry III Friend of the Extension award which recognizes a volunteer who has rendered outstanding public service and support to the UConn Cooperative Extension System in Middlesex County. In addition to her volunteer work, she enjoyed cooking and eating great food, tending to her many plants and gardens, spending time and taking car rides with her grand-dog Nesta, and visiting and chatting with her countless friends.
Marsha is survived by her husband of 17 years Philip Dowling, daughter Michele Jordan and her husband Greg of Wake Forest, NC, and her son Justin Lockhart of Brandon, FL.
Along with her husband, Marsha is also survived by her sisters Gail Bogdan, Sandra Wardwell, Patricia McCane, and her brother Jerome Zabiski and his wife Terry. Besides her mother and father, Marsha was also predeceased by her sister, Geraldine Jacobson.
A graveside service is open to the public and will be held on Monday, August 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery. A Celebration of Marsha’s life will be held in CT at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marsha's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit SouthernFuneralCare.com.
Previous Events
Graveside
Monday
16
Aug
11:00 AM
Sarasota National Cemetery
9810 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
Memorial Contribution
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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