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BORN
1932
DIED
2025
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Joan Dower Obituary
1932 - 2025
Joan M. Dower, 93, passed away on December 15, 2025. She was survived by two loving nephews: Joseph and Mollie Kowalski, and Peter and Indu Kowalski, two great nephews Rishi and Kiran. She also leaves her first cousin Ellen Wilson, and many other close second and third cousins and their spouses. She was predeceased by her parents Andrew and Anna Dower, and her sister Anne Kowalski. She had a wonderful bond with the Bill Martens family and had many good faithful friends.
Joan was born in Hartford and lived in Manchester for many years and was a faithful communicant of St. James Church.
Joan retired from the State, and then worked at MARC, Inc for almost 15 years, which was her favorite job. Joan also earned a Bachelor's Degree in social work from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Joan loved nature and animals (especially dogs) and did many outdoor activities throughout her lifetime. She volunteered at a local convalescent home and had a prison ministry for many years with Ed and Donna DuBaldo and many other faithful volunteers.
In the 1960's, Joan was proud to be involved in civil rights work with the Catholic Interracial Council of St. Michael's Church in Hartford.
Joan's burial will be private with no calling hour. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Church, 896 Main Street in Manchester on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Dower
1 Entry
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January 18, 2026
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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Funeral services provided by:
John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Inc.219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040
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