Maureen Dowling

1925 - 2025

Maureen Dowling
06/20/1925 - 07/13/2025
Maureen entered eternal rest peacefully at her home in San Francisco surrounded by her daughters.
She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick J. Dowling; son, Michael Dowling; and siblings: Martin Delaney and Lilly McCormack.
Survived by her five daughters: Cecilia (George Marania), Patricia (Phil Moscone), Eileen (Mark Evans), Kathleen (Kevin McDonough) and Coleen (Mani Sheik); nine grandchildren: Glenn and Kelli Dowling, Pearse Marania, Mike and Charity Varner, Colman and Michael McDonough, Brennan and Beckett Dowling-Sheik; five great grandchildren: Casey, Chase, Aidan, Elizabeth and Kai; two great great grandchildren: Millie and Wilbur and two more on the way!
She is also survived by two sisters in Ireland Sheila Hughes and Philomena Nolan as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews, including two special nephews in San Francisco, John Nolan and Damien Hughes.
Maureen Dowling, nee Delaney, was born in Camross, County Laois, Ireland in the shade of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. She had an idyllic childhood and adored her loving parents, Dan and Julia Delaney. She cherished her siblings throughout her life. She loved living in America, but had a lifetime longing for Ireland.
She lived an adventurous early life. At the height of WWII, she boarded a ferry alone at 17 to cross the Irish Sea to England to aid the wounded soldiers arriving on ships from the European theatre. For ten years she worked as a nurse treating critical patients.
She returned home to Camross in 1949 and met Patrick Dowling, who had emigrated from County Laois to America and was home for a visit. Two adventurers from the same small village met and married just months later. They sailed to New York then took the Zephyr to San Francisco.
Maureen and Patrick had six children and spent 20 years in Eureka Valley in the Most Holy Redeemer Parish. They eventually moved the family to Ingleside Terraces and became active at St. Stephen's Parish. She was a selfless mother who encouraged her children to be independent and pursue their dreams.
Maureen had style and grace. She was an amazing seamstress and delighted in altering every item she purchased, turning it into her own unique creation. She took MUNI downtown her whole life and particularly loved Union Square. Reading poetry was her pastime and traveling with her daughters her greatest joy.
She cared deeply about all people and truly believed in inclusivity for all cultures and lifestyles. She was a recycler before recycling. She was an animal rights activist. She practiced gratitude and meditation before the rest of us discovered it.
Maureen and Patrick were very active in the Irish community, and the house was always full with visitors from Ireland engaged in lively and animated conversation.
Maureen was a proud founding member of the United Irish Cultural Center and the Patrick J. Dowling Library.
Friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 5:30pm and attend a Rosary at 6:30pm at St. Stephen Church, 451 Eucalyptus Dr, San Francisco. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 24th at 10:00am at St. Stephen Church. A private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Patrick J. Dowling Library at the UICC.