RICHFIELD SPRINGS-Evelyn Emma Dowd, age 89 of McKoons Road, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday Morning November 11, 2005. She was born on October 23, 1916 in the Bronx, daughter of the late William Edward and Mary Schuster Mendel. On September 9, 1937 she married George Dowd Sr. in New Jersey, a loving and devoted union of forty-years until his passing in 1979.She has resided in Richfield Springs since 1949 coming here with her husband from Franklin, New Jersey. At one time she was part owner of the Western Auto Store in Richfield Springs. Evelyns life primarily revolved around her home and family.She was happiest when she was surrounded by her many friends and family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.When her boys were young she served as a Den Mother with the Cub Scouts. She enjoyed knitting, baking, reading and in her younger years she liked to bowl. She was a member of the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, Otsego Hartwick Arbutus Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star where she was a fifty-year member, had served as Past Matron and was Chapter Treasurer for thirty-five years and was a past member of the Richfield Grange # 771. Mrs. Dowd was the true definition of a special person, EnergeticOutgoingCaring.She filled our lives with happiness and sweet feelings that we will carry in our hearts forever. Surviving are two daughters and their husbands, Mary and Albert Eldred of Richfield Springs, Deborah and Louis Ryan of DeWitt, MI, five sons, Robert and his wife Susan Dowd of Bridgewater, Richard and his wife Carol Dowd of Umatilla, FL, John and Kay Dowd of West Winfield, George Jr. and his wife Dawn Dowd of Ilion, William Dowd of Ilion, fifteen grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 am in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs.The Reverend John Young will officiate.Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Richfield Springs.The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Monday (today) from 7:00 until 9:00pm.Members of Otsego Hartwick Arbutus Chapter OES are asked to meet at the funeral home Monday at 8:00 pm for ritualistic services. Expressions of sympathy may be made, in memory of Evelyn and her late husband George, with donations to the Shriners Hospital.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.