Kathleen O'Dowd

Dr. Kathleen O’Dowd (age 85) passed away peacefully, in the early morning hours on Oct 1st, with her son at her side.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margaret Martin, four of her five siblings (George, Judy, Thomas, and David,) and her husband, Dennis O’Dowd.

Katie grew up in Jackson, and graduated from St. Mary’s H.S. (valedictorian) Class of ’57.  She went on to receive a B.A. from the University of Michigan, and her M.A. and Ph.D from Michigan State.  She was an avid reader, with a love for theatre, Shakespeare, and opening and inspiring young minds.  During her career, she taught at Michigan State, and Wayne State, before finding her place at Madonna University.  While at Madonna, she ascended to the post of Dean: College of Arts and Humanities, eventually retiring in 2016, and capping a career that spanned 6 decades.

Kathleen also had a passion for travel, and a deep appreciation for foreign cultures.  Her 7 passports include stamps from 15 different destinations including Ireland, Greece, Japan, the Galapagos Islands, Belize, Bali, Lebanon, and the Bahamas. 

Her greatest love, however, was for her family, friends and colleagues.  As our family centerpiece, she is survived by her youngest sister (Anne Goodwin,) son Thomas (Mary), three cherished grandchildren (Denny, Brigid, Bobby,) 13 nieces and nephews, and a clan of grandnieces and grandnephews that she loved very much.  She maintained “sibling close,” life-long friendships with her childhood friends, and even reconnected with a special companion, Jim Anderson (at their 60th H.S. reunion,) sharing their golden years from that point on.

Visitation and remembrance will be held on Monday evening, OCT 07 (4-7:00 pm) at Watson Funeral Chapel.  The Memorial Service will be held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church on OCT 08. Visitation will open at 10:00 am, with the Service starting at 11:00 am.  Onsite interment will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, or Henry Ford Hospice House are encouraged.

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