MaryAnn F. (Roland) Dowd

WORCESTER — MaryAnn F. (Roland) Dowd, 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Mary Health Care Center in Worcester.

Born and raised in Worcester, MaryAnn was the daughter of the late Francis (Frank) J. and Sophie (Sue) V. (Yurkevicius) Roland. She attended St. Casimir’s School and graduated magna cum laude from Notre Dame Academy. MaryAnn went on to receive her nursing degree from St. Vincent Nursing School and attended Salter Secretarial School. She worked as a surgical nurse and private secretary to Dr. Chester Brown before leaving the workforce to devote herself fully to raising her family.

She met her beloved husband, John F. Dowd, Sr., in 1969, and the couple was married at St. Paul’s Cathedral. They settled in Worcester, where they lovingly raised their family.

MaryAnn leaves her eight sons: John F. Dowd, Jr. and his wife Christine; Thomas W. Dowd and his wife Heather; Kevin M. Dowd; Michael P. Dowd and his wife Mary; Daniel P. Dowd; Paul B. Dowd and his wife Christine; Eric S. Dowd and his wife Karlee; and William D. Dowd. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren: Laura Dowd, Shannon Dowd, Kelsey Dowd, Hannah Myers, Luke Dowd, Gabriel Dowd, Paul Dowd, Jr., Matthew Dowd, Zachary Dowd, Tenleigh Dowd, Gianna Dowd, and Sophia Dowd; her brother, Paul E. Roland and her sister, Susan T. Eramo; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless dear friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, MaryAnn was predeceased by her granddaughter, Siobhan Dowd, and her brother, James F. Roland.

MaryAnn found great joy in gardening, knitting, and crocheting, and was an avid sports fan. She had a strong Catholic faith and was a devoted member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. She cherished simple pleasures such as sunshine, day trips to Misquamicut Beach, and caring for her pets, most recently Duchess and Willow. In her younger years, she was an award-winning drum majorette for the Lithuanian War Veterans and proudly marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Above all, MaryAnn was devoted to her family. She never missed one of her sons’ sporting, academic, or professional events and was always their most loyal supporter. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, family camping trips, and preparing countless meals for those she loved. As the matriarch of her family, she created a home filled with warmth, love, and lasting memories.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a period of Calling Hours on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish, 236 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Interment will immediately follow at Notre Dame Cemetery at 162 Webster Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in MaryAnn’s name may be made to the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (The Mission Church), 1545 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120.