Obituary of Dolores O'Brien Dowe

Dolores (Dee) Dowe nee O‘Brien of Essex, Connecticut, formerly Harrison, New Jersey, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. With a big heart, quick wit, love of family and passion for life, Dolores immediately connected with everyone she met, making each feel special. Born and raised in Harrison, New Jersey and a graduate of Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia in Fredericksburg, VA, Dee taught school for many years, fondly remembered and loved by generations of students. She retired as Principal of Lincoln Elementary School in Harrison, NJ in September 1993. During this time, Dolores was appointed by the New Jersey Courts to be on the Harrison Juvenile Conference Committee. Her community involvement in Harrison also included being a member of the Board of Education and Board of Health; County Committee Woman for Hudson County representing the Second Ward, Second District; active in Holy Cross Church; and a passionate fund raiser for the Cancer League. Predeceased by her parents, James and Dorothy (Graves) O’Brien , sister Joan DeLaura and her daughter Dorothy (Dee Dee), Andrews Kleckner, she is survived by her brother James (Margaret) O’Brien and family; son Michael (Kathy), daughters Michele Bykerk (Lee) and Allison Dowe Johnson (Christian); grandchildren Erin Joyce, Kara Rodjom, Michael Dowe, Melissa Backus, Alan and Jason Andrews, Neil, Brett and Chad Bykerk, Tyler and Monique Johnson; great-grandchildren Cecilia, Conall, Theodore and Francis Joyce, Charles and Claire Rodjom, Vincent Dowe; Brayden and Natalie Backus; Sarah and Alana Andrews; and Ava Andrews. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a life celebration will take place at a later date. Donations in her name may be made to Middlesex Hospital Care at Home and Hospice Program. To share a memory or express a condolence to Dolores’ family, please visit: www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, in Centerbrook, Connecticut.