Margaret Theresa Dowling

October 15, 1942 – November 28, 2022
It’s with heavy hearts that her family shares the news that Margaret Theresa (Peggy) Dowling passed away on November 28, 2022 in Naples, FL.  Peggy was loved dearly, is missed greatly, and will always be cherished. “Nana,” as she liked to be called by her grandchildren, was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother.
Peggy was born on October 15th, 1942, the middle child of Michael Quinlan and Anne (Kelly) Quinlan in Middle Village, NY.  The daughter and granddaughter of Irish immigrants, Peggy lived in Queens throughout her childhood with her brothers Michael J. Quinlan and John K. Quinlan.  Peggy attended Bishop McDonnell High School in Brooklyn, excelling at her studies, graduating early and becoming valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation, she began working at the ad agency Y&R in Manhattan.  She had a zest for life and enjoyed her time working in NYC during the “Mad Men” era.  One New Year’s Eve, she was set up on a blind date with the man who would become her future husband of 58 years, John P. (Jack) Dowling.  Peggy and Jack raised five children, making different cities home throughout the North East as different career opportunities brought them there. From Holbrook, NY, to Budd Lake, NJ, Clifton Park, NY and Marlborough, MA, Peggy always said she grew where she was planted and made an impact in every community she called home. 
Peggy’s faith was the heartbeat of her life, and she brought her vibrant personality to the volunteer work she did for the Catholic Church.  As a parishioner of St. Matthias Church in Marlborough, she ran the annual Christmas Bazaar for many years with her husband Jack playing the role of Santa.  She was passionate about making a difference in her community and ran the church’s soup kitchen, Our Father’s Table.  She brought her business savvy into these endeavors, courting local grocery stores for fresh food donations including food that would have otherwise been discarded and raising the bar for donations to the church.   
While living in Marlborough, Peggy started her own daycare, The Growing Tree, profoundly touching the lives of the children in her care.  She went on to become the Director of The Children’s Place daycare for several years.  In both schools, she created a warm, loving and stimulating environment where her students and employees thrived.
In her later years, Peggy and Jack split their time between Marlborough, MA and Naples, FL.  In Naples, they enjoyed many happy memories with their children and grandchildren over spring breaks and wonderful holiday celebrations. 
Peggy is survived by her husband, John P. Dowling, of Naples, FL, her daughter, Kerry A. Dowling of Boston, MA, her son John C. Dowling and his wife Jane E. (Martinez) Dowling, of Riverdale, NY, her daughter Tracy E.(Dowling) McCabe and her husband, Brian J. McCabe of Bethesda, MD, her daughter, Courtney M.(Dowling) McCombs and her husband, Raymond J. McCombs, Jr. of Chatham, NJ, her daughter, Colleen P. Dowling of Boston, MA and her six grandchildren, Brendan McCabe, Grace McCombs, Ignacio Dowling, Liam McCombs, Joaquin Dowling and Katie McCabe. 
Peggy’s life will be celebrated at Fuller Funeral Home, 4735 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.  Viewing services will be held on Monday December 5 from 4-7pm.   A funeral mass will be held at St. Finbarr’s Church, 13520 Tamiami Trail East Naples, FL 34114 on Tuesday December 6 at 11am. 
Donations can be made to the following charity in honor of Peggy:  Food Pantry | Naples Senior Center

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