Shirley Ann Dowd

SAGINAW, Mich. — Shirley Ann Dowd, of Saginaw, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2013, at home, surrounded by family. She was 80 years old.

Shirley Ann Christensen was born on Sept. 19, 1932, in Saginaw, to the late Albert and Iva (King) Christensen.

She married Harry Dowd in 1954 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saginaw; he survives her.

Shirley was in the choir at Holy Family Catholic Church, president of Gogebic County Search and Rescue, a Girl Scout leader and a girls’ softball coach. Further, she earned her private pilot’s license at the age of 50. Most of all, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Harry; son, Kevin Dowd; four daughters, Debrah Willey, Theresa (Robert) Dowd-Gross, Mary (Joseph) Merz and Colleen Macheski; four grandchildren, Opal Ellison, Joe (Penny) Merz, Victoria Merz and Danielle Macheski; two granddaughters, McKenzie Merz and Natalie Merz; twin brothers, Larry and Jerry Christensen; and sister, Donna Furlo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings, Jim Christensen, Ed Christensen, June Griffus and Betty Mehl; and son-in-law, Dan Willey.

A funeral liturgy will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St., Saginaw MI 48603. The Rev. Fr. Randy Kelly will officiate.

Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Friends are welcome to visit at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State) on Wednesday from 4 until 8 p.m. Shirley will lie in state at the church on Thursday, from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Stroke Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with Shirley’s family at the church, funeral home or through deislerfuneralhome.com.