Rosemary A. O'Dowd

1937 - 2021

O'Dowd, Rosemary A. (nee McGilley), - 84, of Northfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Atlantic City, Rosemary attended Our Lady Star of the Sea School and graduated in 1955 from Holy Spirit High School. She also attended Atlantic Cape Community College. Rosemary retired from Mainland Regional High School where she worked as a secretary for the child study team and later for the athletic director. Rosemary was the ultimate volunteer. She was a past officer in the PTA's of St. Peter's, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Joseph's Elementary Schools. She was a charter member and first secretary of the MRHS Sports Booster's club, secretary of Mainland Regional Education Association, and secretary and past President of St. Bernadette's Sodality. She was named "Woman of the Year" of St. Bernadette Parish in 2019. Civically, she has served as publicity secretary for Northfield 2000, Northfield 90th Birthday, Northfield Cultural Committee, and Northfield Family Fest. She was a longtime member of the Northfield Cardinals and All Sports Association and the Northfield Historical Society. Rosemary was a Eucharistic Minister and teacher's aide at St. Bernadette's Church. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, MREA, NJEA, and ACREA. Rosemary considered her greatest role in life as being a "mom" and "mom-mom". She enjoyed singing, reading, working in the garden and on her computer. She will be remembered for her honesty, integrity and her caring ways with others, especially to the MRHS students and the sick and elderly. Her devotion to her beloved family and friends was lifelong. Rosemary is predeceased in life by her parents, Rose Ann and Michael J. McGilley, youngest son James Patrick, twin brother Rev. Michael J. McGilley, sister Margaret J. Lawless and brother John L. McGilley. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Eugene C. O'Dowd Sr. and her beloved sons, Gene C. Jr. (Patty) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ and Kevin J. (Robin) of Kennett Square, PA. She is also survived by her loving grandsons, Eugene C. III (Jessica), Christopher (Alicia), Jeffery P. and Colin Patrick O'Dowd and her beloved granddaughter Mary Shannon O'Dowd (Matt); Five great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Morgan, Reily, Sam and Ellie. She is also survived by her brother, Charles J. McGilley (Adele), many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, both here and in Ireland, and the most wonderful friends in the world. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Rosemary's visitation on Friday, December 3, 2021 at St. Bernadette Church, 1421 New Rd. Northfield NJ from 10am to 11am with a mass of the Christian Burial to follow at 11am. Rosemary will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice. Funeral services have been entrusted to the Adams Perfect Funeral Home.