Nancy Jean (Benzing) Dowd, age 74 years, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 25, 2016.

A lifelong resident of Oswego, Nancy was born on October 16, 1942 to William and Mildred (Buske) Benzing.  She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Patricia Ann Finch; and her devoted husband, Patrick A Dowd Sr.

Nancy is survived by her children, Patrick A. Dowd Jr. (Linda), Deborah Ann (Ted Faulks), John William (Pamela), and James Alan (Danielle Hayden); her granddaughter, Gretchen Elizabeth; her step-grandchildren, Samuel Henderson Jr., John Frank, and MacKenzie Hayden;  her brother, William R Benzing (Helen) of Syracuse; her sister, Valerie S. Benzing (Linda) of Churchville, NY; her brothers-in-law, Robert L. Finch of Muskegon, MI, and Donald "Duck" Dowd of Oswego; and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy graduated from Oswego High School in 1960, entering the nursing profession as an LPN and Registered Nurse. She later received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She continued her dedication to the health care field through her teaching, as well as advancing her career to become one of the first Nurse Practitioners in New York State.

Nan provided the inspirational leadership behind many worthy community, church, and professional activities. Some of which include the BOCES Health Carnival, the Oswego Health Sun Patrol, shut-in lunches at Grace Lutheran church, nuclear and CPR training sessions for health professionals, Jaycee  sponsored events and activities, along with sharing her expertise and knowledge at the Oswego Health sister hospital in Montserrat. Throughout her life and career Nancy Dowd was a giving, caring mentor for so many causes and so many people. Her life was guided by her love and dedication to her family, her faith, and her profession.  Everyone who knew Nan respected and loved her.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 4-7pm at Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, 112 East Second Street, Oswego, NY  13126.

Funeral services will be at 11am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church, East 6th & Lawrence St., Oswego, followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to Doctors Without Borders at www.doctorswithoutborders.org ;  or to Save The Children at www.savethechildren.org