Melissa "Missy" Ann Dowd

Melissa Ann  Dowd of Youngstown, NY, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. She was born on November 6, 1960 in Ellwood City, PA, the daughter of the late Willis J and Joanne [Beers] Breitsman.

Missy earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Buffalo in Psychology with an emphasis in holocaust studies.

She was a devoted volunteer at the Summit Life Outreach Center in Niagara Falls where she touched the lives of young mothers providing them with immense support and guidance.

Missy had a passion for travel, fitness, gardening, nature, and horses.  She maintained acres of rose, hydrangea and peonies gardens at her horse farm in Youngstown, where she practiced the equestrian art of dressage with her beloved horse, Solo.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years Michael J. Dowd, her children Charles(Jessica), Wilson,  Marny (René') and  John "Sam" (Maggy) Dowd and was the sister  of Donna  (Rickey) Farlow, John W. (Kristy Schubel) Breitsman, and Charles W. (Randy Leslie) Breitsman, her mother in law Patricia (late John) Dowd, also twenty nieces and nephews and three grand nieces.

Missy was the sister of the late Elizabeth Sue and Ann Elizabeth Breitsman.

Her family will be present on Friday from 11-3 and 5-7 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON, NY.

Due to current regulations, building capacity and social distancing will be monitored, facial coverings are also required.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the wishes of her family.

Flowers are gratefully declined, Memorials may be made in her name to the Summit Outreach Center, 1622 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY  14301 or to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation.

 

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