Margaret Dowd

Margaret Ann Fuchs Dowd, 79, Lawrence, Kansas, formerly of Topeka, passed away Monday, May 24, 2021, surrounded by family at the Bridge Haven community. Margaret was born August 30, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of John A. and Margaret H. Scanlon Fuchs. She grew up in Kansas City, the elder of two siblings and a close-knit extended family. Grateful to have shared her life are her children Kathy Nibler (Matt), Mike Dowd, Liz Aldrine (Baron), and Trish Dowd Kelne (Adam); and her cherished grandchildren to whom she was devoted: Tanner, Baron II, Blake, Brayden and Lucy. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her dear brother John H. Fuchs, Jr. Margaret was previously married to Matt Dowd who passed away in 2018. She lived her life dedicated to her family, in service and care of her patients and her community and with a rare grace that lifted the spirits of all who knew her. She graduated from Loretto Academy and earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from The College of St. Theresa (now Avila University) and gained her licensure as a Registered Nurse. She later gained certification as an Enterostomal Therapy, Wound and Ostomy Nurse (1991). Margaret began her career as a neonatal intensive care nurse in Hutchinson, followed by work at the Veteran’s Hospital and then in post-surgical care, enterostomal therapy and wound care at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, for over 25 years. Her compassionate care was often recognized by administration, fellow nurses and patient families; she found most fulfilling the chance to serve others and empower patients toward increased wellbeing. Her gift of getting the work done with tenderness, skill and sincere care supported the community as a whole. She volunteered within her church communities at Most Pure Heart of Mary and Christ the King, her children’s schools, Birthright, Girl Scouts, Let’s Help, Stormont Vail and Winter Center. In her later years, she found a faith home at St. John the Evangelist Church and in her last year discovered the grace of her care returned, through the blessings of nurses, staff and residents at Bridge Haven. Margaret’s generosity of spirit and hard work nurtured many and made each one better for having interacted with her—often in quiet and invisible ways, with strength and steadiness, constant presence and such good. She enjoyed sharing time with her grandchildren most of all and also traveling (especially her trips to Rome and Ireland), gardening (watching sunflowers grow tall), fishing, tinkering (fixing anything broken as her father taught her) and an occasional winning visit to the casino (making her brother proud). Margaret’s family will greet friends from 4:00 to 6:00 Thursday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where Remembrances will be spoken at 5:00, followed by the Rosary at 5:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. John the Evangelist Church in Lawrence KS. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Nursing Scholarships at Stormont Vail Foundation, Let’s Help, and Visiting Nurses of Douglas County, all sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Margaret Dowd

August 30, 1941 - May 24, 2021