Barbara King Dowling passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2021, at the age of 96 surrounded by her children. Barbara, lovingly known by her grandchildren as Marnie, was born on May 23, 1925 in Williamsport, PA, to Kathryn and Donald King. She was a graduate of John Harris High School and Lycoming College. In her early career, she was a graphic artist for Bell Telephone. At her passing, Barbara was the matriarch of the Dowling and King Families, and last of the Hillcrest Road legends.
While raising six children, Barbara dedicated what free time she had to helping children and youth. She was Chairman of the March of Dimes in the 1960s and then Chairwoman and Fund Representative of the Fresh Air Fund for over 25 years, helping to bring disadvantaged youth from New York City to suburban families for summer vacation. She was the Founding Mother of the Hillcrest Road 4th of July Parade which she led for over 25 years, officiating from her SUV, music blaring.
Barbara was always active in her children and grandchildren's lives, never missing a sporting event or theatrical performance. Anyone who entered her home was enthusiastically welcomed as part of the family. Barbara had a way of making everyone feel loved and important. If a visitor arrived at dinner time, she would whisper FHB (family hold back) to her children so there would be enough food for everyone. Barbara and Jack hosted an annual Christmas Eve party at their home for over 40 years where invitation was by word of mouth, everyone was welcome and wonderful memories were made. During the Harrisburg Flood of 1972, Barbara went to Progress Fire Hall to donate blankets and came home with a family of five and their dog. They stayed for a month.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Judge John C. Dowling, her grandson Connor Wrye, son-in-law Donald Wrye, her brother William King, and her sister Marylou Aulenbach.
Barbara is survived by her six children David (Marilyn) Dowling, Kathryn Wrye, Elizabeth (Robert) Gorland, Andrew Dowling, Amy (Jim) Burdick and Michele Lawrence, her grandchildren Brian Dowling, Lauren Tilley, Joseph Gilloway Jr., Elizabeth Egan, Miranda Bacon, Grace Burdick, Caroline Gorland, Catalina Wrye, Ben Gorland, Mikhael Lawrence, Malkam Lawrence, Jack Dowling and Mahogany Lawrence, four great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the Tree of Life Lutheran Church 1492 Linglestown Road Harrisburg PA, 17110. Visitation is at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Paxtang Cemetery, 490 Paxtang Avenue. Contributions in Barbara's honor may be made to The Fresh Air Fund. Arrangements are by the Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Harrisburg.
Published in Patriot-News from Jun. 14 to Jun. 15, 2021.
While raising six children, Barbara dedicated what free time she had to helping children and youth. She was Chairman of the March of Dimes in the 1960s and then Chairwoman and Fund Representative of the Fresh Air Fund for over 25 years, helping to bring disadvantaged youth from New York City to suburban families for summer vacation. She was the Founding Mother of the Hillcrest Road 4th of July Parade which she led for over 25 years, officiating from her SUV, music blaring.
Barbara was always active in her children and grandchildren's lives, never missing a sporting event or theatrical performance. Anyone who entered her home was enthusiastically welcomed as part of the family. Barbara had a way of making everyone feel loved and important. If a visitor arrived at dinner time, she would whisper FHB (family hold back) to her children so there would be enough food for everyone. Barbara and Jack hosted an annual Christmas Eve party at their home for over 40 years where invitation was by word of mouth, everyone was welcome and wonderful memories were made. During the Harrisburg Flood of 1972, Barbara went to Progress Fire Hall to donate blankets and came home with a family of five and their dog. They stayed for a month.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Judge John C. Dowling, her grandson Connor Wrye, son-in-law Donald Wrye, her brother William King, and her sister Marylou Aulenbach.
Barbara is survived by her six children David (Marilyn) Dowling, Kathryn Wrye, Elizabeth (Robert) Gorland, Andrew Dowling, Amy (Jim) Burdick and Michele Lawrence, her grandchildren Brian Dowling, Lauren Tilley, Joseph Gilloway Jr., Elizabeth Egan, Miranda Bacon, Grace Burdick, Caroline Gorland, Catalina Wrye, Ben Gorland, Mikhael Lawrence, Malkam Lawrence, Jack Dowling and Mahogany Lawrence, four great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the Tree of Life Lutheran Church 1492 Linglestown Road Harrisburg PA, 17110. Visitation is at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Paxtang Cemetery, 490 Paxtang Avenue. Contributions in Barbara's honor may be made to The Fresh Air Fund. Arrangements are by the Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Harrisburg.
Published in Patriot-News from Jun. 14 to Jun. 15, 2021.
Barbara King Dowling passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2021, at the age of 96 surrounded by her children. Barbara, lovingly known by her grandchildren as Marnie, was born on May 23, 1925 in Williamsport, PA, to Kathryn and Donald King. She was a graduate of John Harris High School and Lycoming College. In her early career, she was a graphic artist for Bell Telephone. At her passing, Barbara was the matriarch of the Dowling and King Families, and last of the Hillcrest Road legends.
While raising six children, Barbara dedicated what free time she had to helping children and youth. She was Chairman of the March of Dimes in the 1960s and then Chairwoman and Fund Representative of the Fresh Air Fund for over 25 years, helping to bring disadvantaged youth from New York City to suburban families for summer vacation. She was the Founding Mother of the Hillcrest Road 4th of July Parade which she led for over 25 years, officiating from her SUV, music blaring.
Barbara was always active in her children and grandchildren's lives, never missing a sporting event or theatrical performance. Anyone who entered her home was enthusiastically welcomed as part of the family. Barbara had a way of making everyone feel loved and important. If a visitor arrived at dinner time, she would whisper FHB (family hold back) to her children so there would be enough food for everyone. Barbara and Jack hosted an annual Christmas Eve party at their home for over 40 years where invitation was by word of mouth, everyone was welcome and wonderful memories were made. During the Harrisburg Flood of 1972, Barbara went to Progress Fire Hall to donate blankets and came home with a family of five and their dog. They stayed for a month.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Judge John C. Dowling, her grandson Connor Wrye, son-in-law Donald Wrye, her brother William King, and her sister Marylou Aulenbach.
Barbara is survived by her six children David (Marilyn) Dowling, Kathryn Wrye, Elizabeth (Robert) Gorland, Andrew Dowling, Amy (Jim) Burdick and Michele Lawrence, her grandchildren Brian Dowling, Lauren Tilley, Joseph Gilloway Jr., Elizabeth Egan, Miranda Bacon, Grace Burdick, Caroline Gorland, Catalina Wrye, Ben Gorland, Mikhael Lawrence, Malkam Lawrence, Jack Dowling and Mahogany Lawrence, four great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the Tree of Life Lutheran Church 1492 Linglestown Road Harrisburg PA, 17110. Visitation is at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Paxtang Cemetery, 490 Paxtang Avenue. Contributions in Barbara's honor may be made to The Fresh Air Fund. Arrangements are by the Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Harrisburg.
Published in Patriot-News from Jun. 14 to Jun. 15, 2021.
While raising six children, Barbara dedicated what free time she had to helping children and youth. She was Chairman of the March of Dimes in the 1960s and then Chairwoman and Fund Representative of the Fresh Air Fund for over 25 years, helping to bring disadvantaged youth from New York City to suburban families for summer vacation. She was the Founding Mother of the Hillcrest Road 4th of July Parade which she led for over 25 years, officiating from her SUV, music blaring.
Barbara was always active in her children and grandchildren's lives, never missing a sporting event or theatrical performance. Anyone who entered her home was enthusiastically welcomed as part of the family. Barbara had a way of making everyone feel loved and important. If a visitor arrived at dinner time, she would whisper FHB (family hold back) to her children so there would be enough food for everyone. Barbara and Jack hosted an annual Christmas Eve party at their home for over 40 years where invitation was by word of mouth, everyone was welcome and wonderful memories were made. During the Harrisburg Flood of 1972, Barbara went to Progress Fire Hall to donate blankets and came home with a family of five and their dog. They stayed for a month.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Judge John C. Dowling, her grandson Connor Wrye, son-in-law Donald Wrye, her brother William King, and her sister Marylou Aulenbach.
Barbara is survived by her six children David (Marilyn) Dowling, Kathryn Wrye, Elizabeth (Robert) Gorland, Andrew Dowling, Amy (Jim) Burdick and Michele Lawrence, her grandchildren Brian Dowling, Lauren Tilley, Joseph Gilloway Jr., Elizabeth Egan, Miranda Bacon, Grace Burdick, Caroline Gorland, Catalina Wrye, Ben Gorland, Mikhael Lawrence, Malkam Lawrence, Jack Dowling and Mahogany Lawrence, four great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the Tree of Life Lutheran Church 1492 Linglestown Road Harrisburg PA, 17110. Visitation is at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Paxtang Cemetery, 490 Paxtang Avenue. Contributions in Barbara's honor may be made to The Fresh Air Fund. Arrangements are by the Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Harrisburg.
Published in Patriot-News from Jun. 14 to Jun. 15, 2021.
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