Sandra M. Dowley
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Townshend- Sandra Marie Dowley, 86, a resident at Valley Cares on Grafton Road, formerly of River Road in Newfane, passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, January 1, 2023 at her home with her family at her side following a brief illness.
Mrs. Dowley was born at home in Brookline on October 26, 1936, the daughter of Harlan and Vera (Rink) Harrington. She was raised and educated in the West River Valley, attending school in Newfane and graduating from Leland & Gray Seminary, Class of 1954.
She served as town clerk in Newfane where she retired from following 11 dedicated and faithful years with the town. Previously she had worked at the former BookPress in Brattleboro and Mary Meyer Toy Company in Townshend. In her earlier days she assisted with the day-to-day operation of the Kenolie Family Dairy Farm on River Road, delivering milk, driving tractor and performing other vital duties. In more recent years, on a part-time basis with her husband, she assisted with the operation of a lawn care business serving several municipal and private accounts in Newfane.
During her teenage years, at the tender age of 16, she worked the switchboard as a telephone operator in Newfane.
A woman of faith, she was an active member for many years of the Newfane Congregational Church and held membership in the Newfane Ladies Aid Association.
Sandy enjoyed gardening, both vegetable and flowers, taking care of her home on River Road, knitting and stitching; completing many very intricate and delicate projects, several that were sold at retail shops in New York City.
On June 26, 1954, at the Newfane Congregational Church, she was married to Richard Dowley who predeceased her on March 8, 2012.
Survivors include: her three children, Lori Ethier of Brattleboro, Richard Dowley, Jr. and wife Margaret of Guilford, and Timothy Dowley and wife Christine of Hinsdale; two brothers, Dennis Harrington of Brattleboro and Keith Harrington of Ticonderoga, NY; four grandchildren, Karen Ethier and Megan, Nicholas and Ryan Dowley; and a great granddaughter, Emma Ethier. Additionally, she leaves many nieces and nephews.
Sandy was predeceased by one brother, Bruce Harrington.
In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. In the springtime she will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane next to her beloved husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to: Windham County Humane Society, PO Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
To share a memory or send condolences to the family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.