Mary Katherine Dowd, age 92, of Chicago, Illinois, passed peacefully in to the arms of the Lord early in the morning February 1, surrounded by family. She is preceded in death by her beloved brother Martin (Marty) E. Dowd (the late Rosemary, nee Smith), and her parents Martin and Katherine (nee Lonergan) Dowd.

Devoted aunt to Margaret Behrens (the late Joseph), Terence (Pamela), Patrick (April), and Maureen; dear grand aunt of Matthew Behrens (Christine) and Michael, Hunter, Katie, Laura, Sean, Colin and Clare Dowd; loving God-mother to Jeanine Smith Carfora; friend to all.

Mary resided her entire life in Chicago, initially on the South Side, in Lincoln Park, and most recently downtown at the lakefront. As a young girl, she travelled to Ireland with Marty and spent the summer visiting relatives. She cherished those memories, the family stories she learned and the relationships she made and sustained over many years.

She was a supporter of Irish Nationalist politics. A graduate of Loretta High School and Rosary College, Mary had a long career as a Chicago Public School teacher at Kelvyn Park High School, where she served as faculty advisor to the school's newspaper and maintained long relationships with many of her students. She then worked for many years for the Chicago Board of Education as an editor of curriculum materials, until she retired.

Mary was an active member of the condominium building where she lived, a long-time board member of Big Sisters, and an active participant in many of their fund-raising activities, including their Christmas and St. Patrick's Day gatherings. Mary also enjoyed dining at restaurants in many of Chicago's neighborhoods with her "Red Hat" Club and having brunch at the Drake. As a member of the Mid-America Club, Mary loved hosting large family gatherings at the Club and attending their special events, such as their annual Easter brunches and Octoberfest dinner. A devout Catholic, Mary regularly attended Mass at Old St. Mary's Church downtown.

Visitation Friday, February 10, 2017 at Old St. Mary's Church, 1500 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60605 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorials in her honor may be made to: The Cenacle Sisters Chicago, 513 West Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60614, www.cenaclesisters.org ; St. Mary's Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, 2325 North Lakewood Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-3112, www.littlesistersofthepoorchicago.org ; Big Sisters, P.O. Box 5728, River Forest, Illinois 60305, www.bigsisterschicago.org .

For further information please call 312-421-0936.