Earlene Ann Dowd

Earlene Ann Dowd, fondly known as “Auntie E”, age 60, passed away peacefully, with her family and friends by her side on Sunday, February 12, 2023. She was born to the late Earl Curtis Dowd Sr. and Clarice Ann Dowd in New Brunswick, NJ, on January 19, 1963, and grew up in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Earlene is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and West Chester State College. She was a devoted daughter, sister, niece, auntie, great-aunt and friend. Those who were fortunate to have had Earlene in their lives were often told “I wish I had an Earlene in my life.” She was “the kind of friend everyone wishes they had.” She was kind, caring and unselfish and lived her life as Mother Teresa, doing “small things with great love.” She touched so many lives with her acts of kindness, especially those of children. She taught religious education at Immaculate Conception Parish in Elmhurst, Illinois for 8 years and worked as a full time Nanny for 5 different families for over 30 years, with 26 of those years while residing in Elmhurst. Her influence on all those children’s lives and on the lives of her own nieces, nephews and 5 Godchildren has and will continue to make this world a better place. Earlene loved planning the ultimate parties/events, crafting things for others, finding fun, creative things to do with “her children”, puzzles and crosswords, cooking amazing meals, enjoying some good Philly Soft Pretzels, Philly Cheesesteaks and Hoagies, painting nails, taking long road trips, spending time with family and friends and especially spending time with any and all children. She had a great talent for finding “the perfect gift” for everyone, and for making everyone feel welcome.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Earl Curtis Dowd Jr. She is survived by her sisters Dawn Dowd (Scott Stein), Jennyfer (Marc) Giffin, Lucia (Douglas) Praul; her nieces and nephews Lucia Marie (Colin) Gerrity, Daniel (Cas) Praul, Robert (Mara) Praul, Jessica Janeen Giffin and Katelyn Clarice (Steven) Fiore, her grand-nieces and nephews Lucia Sofia Colon, Gabriella Gerrity, CJ Gerrity, Gemma Praul, Nova Praul, Joshua Praul, Jake Praul, and Boney and Gemma Ann Fiore, and her uncle Robert Recupido. Also survived by lifelong friends Carolyn Kelly Conversa and family, and Barbara Kelly Pistella and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ELHP HELPS, 11011 Domain Drive, Apt 8250, Austin, TX 78758. Services will be held privately. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com