Marjorie Louise Dowd – 1922-2013

Marjorie Louise Keeley was born July 27, 1922 to Jesse Clifton Keeley and Alyce Andrews Keeley in Modesto, California.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Robert Andrews Keeley and Warner Conrad Keeley; husband Raymond Philip Dowd and son Philip Michael Dowd.

She is survived by her sons Gerald Keeley Dowd (wife Marsha), Donald Keeley Dowd (wife Susan): and daughter in law, Terri Louise Dowd. She is also survived by grandchildren Gabriel Nathaniel Dowd, Jennifer Alison Anderson, and Raymond Joseph Dowd; great-grandchildren Casey Lynn Dunn, Reese Elizabeth Anderson, Camryn Keeley Anderson; and many nieces and cousins.

Marjorie's early years were spent in San Francisco and later childhood in Modesto. She graduated from Modesto High School in 1940 and met her future husband Raymond during World War II while working at Modesto Army Hospital. Marjorie and Raymond were married on September 7, 1948. Shortly thereafter they moved to Grass Valley, Raymond's place of birth, and subsequently moved to Redding where they resided for 61 years and raised their three rambunctious boys. Raymond was employed for nearly all those years by McDonald's Funeral Chapel. Marjorie began work in the Shasta County Office of Social Services in 1956 as a social welfare worker. She eventually became Executive Director of Shasta County Opportunity Center and guided its growth and expansion until her retirement. She served on the Executive Board of the Far Northern Regional Center. Marjorie was most proud of her work with the developmentally disabled and cared for them as if they were her own. Upon retirement, she briefly worked for the Nevada County Opportunity Center in Grass Valley.

Marjorie was a loving wife, mother, devoted grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to many. She loved to travel to Alaska, and did so often to see her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Besides travel, she enjoyed walking, swimming, playing cards, movies, and was always up for just about anything. In 2009, she moved to Chico to be closer to Gerald and his family. She enjoyed her time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She will be remembered as a woman with a great sense of humor who treasured her family and close friends. She will be greatly missed and held in our hearts and memories forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Far Northern Regional Center. Please mark your donation to be used for client needs and send to 1377 E. Lassen Ave, Chico, CA 95973.

A celebration of Marjorie's life will be held at the Elks Lodge, 250 Elk Drive, Redding, California on November 2, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.