Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dr. Susann "Sue" Dowling
Dr. Susann "Sue" Dowling
Obituary
Guest Book
Dr. Susann Dowling Obituary
Sue was a beloved matriarch, wife, mother, and nana. She was highly respected in her profession and held a Ph.D. from Indiana University, specializing in supervision. As an ASHA fellow and a tenured full professor at the University of Houston, Sue made significant contributions to the field of speech-language pathology and audiology. She also served as the past president of the Council of Supervisors in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (CSSPA).
In retirement, Sue dedicated her time as a Docent of the Houston Fine Arts Museum, sharing her passion for the arts with others. She was a caring and selfless individual, known for her love of animals. Sue rescued dogs and cats and created a private sanctuary for Monarch Butterflies. Her green thumb was evident in the beautiful plants that adorned her home.
Sue will be deeply missed by her adoring family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Dowling, her daughter Rachelle O'Connor and husband Kevin O'Connor, her son Tim Dowling and wife Lauren Dowling, her grandchildren Olivia, Meg, and Kate O'Connor, and Erin, Travis, and Jordan Dowling. She is also survived by her brother Leslie Sanders and her godchild Suzy O'Guin.
A celebration of Sue's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Susann Dowling's name to the Lupus Foundation of America. Contributions can be made at https://www.lupus.org/lonestar.
May Sue's memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Perla Rodriguez
February 13, 2024
Dr. Dowling was instrumental in forming my professional career. Her gentle and compassionate demeanor is something that I tried to emulate every day in my practice. I was honored to have known her as a professor. Her legacy will remain with us. Wishing her family love and light during this difficult time.
Karen S. O'Leary
February 6, 2024
My deepest sympathy to Sue's family. Dr. Dowling was the clinical coordinator for speech-language pathology at Wayne State University in the late 1970's when I was a student at Wayne. I have fond memories of her kindness and support to students. Karen Schultz O'Leary
Lisa Kibler
February 5, 2024
Dr. Dowling was so instrumental in introducing me to the field of communication disorders. I took her anatomy class and other classes from her. She was such an intelligent, compassionate, and incredible individual. Saddened to hear this news. She had such a great impact on so many.
Kim-Loan Luu
February 5, 2024
Dr. Dowling taught my anatomy class. I remember coloring, labeling and leafing through the Netter anatomy illustrations. She was kind and patient in both giving and receiving feedback, and her goal was always to help her students learn. She would conclude her lectures with a sweet expectant smile, saying, "Ask me a question," which often prompted shy students like me to speak up. I appreciated how humble, methodical, intelligent and so very kind she was. I still remember how she'd introduce each muscle with the name, orientation, attachment and function. So clearly and patiently taught! So thankful to have known her as a professor. Wishing her family peace and comfort.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Meghan Lutschg
February 5, 2024
We are so sad to hear this news. From the moment we met, Sue always showed so much love in the way she cared for things. She took exceptional care of the cats on the street, dogs in need, countless monarch caterpillars, her family, her plants, Jerry, and her neighbors. She will truly be missed for her warm smile and her caring nature.
Thea Dowling
February 5, 2024
Aunt Sue reminded me that I was loved even though we did not see each other often. Her kindness will always be remembered. She had a wonderful laugh and smile that would light the room. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Sue surprised me years ago when they came to Alaska on a cruise and they came again for my first wedding.
One of the most recent times I was blessed with her kindness was when she sent me a beautiful card. I had an unexpected accident that led to a lengthy hospitalization. She sent me a message reminding me how blessed she was to be my aunt.
She will be missed and I know my grandparents are welcoming her with open arms.
Thea Dowling
Mimi Branham
February 5, 2024
So sad to hear of Dr. Dowling's passing. She was a great, kind woman who influenced and inspired so many of us. Her legacy continues as those she taught now teach others. Wishing Gerald and her family peace.
Nesreen Alawami
February 5, 2024
I am so so sorry to be reading this!!!! Dr. Dowling (I still can´t call her just Sue) & Gerald will always have a special place in my heart. They helped me out in a very difficult time in my life and without their help, I would not be where I am today. So I owe her all of that!! She was so kind and patient and caring. She will sorely be missed by all who knew her. Sending her family lots of love and positive vibes
Lynn Bliss
February 5, 2024
Sue and I were friends for over 50 years. We were colleagues in Detroit and Houston. We were also fellow docents. When I think of Sue, I remember her saying, "Art feeds my soul." She was a consummate docent, dedicated art lover and art creator (clowns and landscapes). She and Gerry were a loving couple, dedicated to their family and supporting others. She leaves a legacy of kindness and compassion. Lynn Bliss
Suzanne O'Guin
February 4, 2024
My and Mark's thoughts and prayers are with Jerry and all of the Dowling and O'Connor families. My heart breaks for all of you.
My mother (Dorothy) choose my name for Sue, and she then later asked Jerry and Sue to be my godparents, for which I am very grateful.
I have enjoyed the occassional visit and many conversations we have had throughout the years. Jerry would answer the phone and tease me about Indiana weather and such, and then Sue would come on the phone. Sue and I could talked about everything from plants, work, life and family. Sue was proud of Rachelle, Tim and their families. During those conversations, Sue would often share with me their various achievements and milestones in their lives.
It was Sue that taught me that each of us should celebrate our accomplishments and the important milestones in one's life.
Sue was one of the most thoughtful and caring people I have ever known. My family and I are blessed to have known and had her in our lives.
I will miss her.
Love, Suzy and the O'Guin family
Candace Frederick
February 4, 2024
My condolences. Sue was such a wonderful person. She was a good family friend, fantastic god-mother to Suzy and dear friend of our mother Dorothy. She accomplished so much in her life and leaves behind a proud legacy in her family and career.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Dr. Susann Dowling's name
How to support Dr. Susann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dr. Susann Dowling's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
