Obituary of Sr. Elizabeth (Beth) Dowd, OSU
Sr. Elizabeth (Beth) Dowd, OSU, a beloved member of the Ursuline Community, died peacefully on December 11, 2020. She was a resident of United Hebrew Center in New Rochelle.
Born in Holyoke, MA in 1934 to Clare and James Dowd, Sr. Beth entered the Ursuline Novitiate in 1956 and professed first vows in 1959.
Sr. Beth graduated from the College of New Rochelle and received a Master of Arts degree and a Master of Music degree from The Catholic University of America and teaching certificates in Kodaly, Kindermusik, and Musikgarten from the Kodaly Institute. She served as a teacher and choral director at Ursuline Academy in Springfield, MA, Ursuline Academy in Bethesda, MD, the Academy of Mount St. Ursula, St. Athanasius School, and St. Philip Neri School in the Bronx, as well as New Rochelle Catholic Elementary School. Sr. Beth was also active in campus ministry at the College of New Rochelle and music ministry at Blessed Sacrament Parish in New Rochelle, NY.
Known and recognized locally, nationally and internationally as a music educator, Sr. Beth brought music to generations of children and families. In 1994 she founded Songcatchers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission of Reaching for Peace Through Music by providing families with affordable access to high quality music education, development and enrichment.
In addition to her parents, Sr. Beth was predeceased by her siblings Sr. Mary Dowd, OSU, Ann Connolly, Clare Hayes, and David, James and John Dowd.
She is survived by many devoted nieces, nephews, and by her Ursuline Community. Due to the COVID-19 crisis there will not be a wake or funeral for Sr. Beth. A private burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.
Donations in memory of Sr. Beth may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Retirement fund at 1338 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804 or online at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/UrsulineProvincialate/contribute.html.
Lloyd Maxcy and Sons, Beauchamp Chapel is in charge of arrangements.