Joan May Galvin Dowling Tribute

Mar 13, 2009

I was Joan's treating doctor beginning in 1996.

I have many, many memories of Joan. She was an incredibly sweet soul. She spoke kindly about everyone and was very compassionate and understanding of all. There was not a judgmental bone in her body.

She was also very, very bright and recognized by everyone, including the Academy of Surveyors in Sacramento as having a wonderful grasp of the multitude of Federal and State Regulations that must be followed in Hospitals, Convalescent Homes, Out-Patient Surgery Centers and those centers regulated by the State. She was placed in charge of the State of California Department of Health, Licensing and Certification as the Department’s Regional Administrator of Southern California. This was a huge responsibility and she did it well until she retired.

But, back to the human side.... Joan Dowling was a delightful soul. She and David just resonated in a love that transcends all time. They were soul-mates and had been devotedly in love since they met.

Joan was very vigorous and strong. I was working with her through a number of traumas and very stressful situations which she handled with great skill.

Her smile was her signature. It was enchanting.

Her kindness was universal and encompassed everyone she knew.

I would now focus on David's enduring love and devotion to his wife.

I hold David in the highest esteem for his care-giving, love, and daily concerns for Joan's well being.

I have so many stories that I could tell over these past 13 years..... Joan and David.

David and Joan.

I will be impressed forever with the devotion of Joan with David and with David with Joan.

I will be ever impressed with Joan, David, and their love for one another.

William C. Munn, II, M.D.

I didn't know Joan. In fact, I've never met Dave! I began emailing with Dave in 2004 after the death of my father, who was Dave's half-brother. Uncle Dave told me about his mother, my grandmother, whom I barely knew.
But he also told me about Joan whom he adored. The story I remember most affectionately was of their first date. Joan, who was a student nurse, was under curfew, the standard practice of the time. If I recall, the curfew was 11 PM on Friday or Saturday night. Dave took Joan dancing. They danced the night away, then realized they had danced well past the time that Joan was due back at the Nurses' Residence. Somehow they managed to sneak her in without getting caught. Thus was the beginning of a long and productive relationship.
Dave, as you grieve, tell your precious Joan stories often. And when it hurts, remember there are many people who love you and care about you, including me.

Cheryl,

We would like to say how sorry we are to hear of the passing of your mom.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Cheryl my heart goes out to you with the lost of your mother. I understand how hard it is to lose our mothers being an only child as well. But I also have peace knowing they are whole,happy, out of pain and remembering everything now. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your dad, Chris & Brittany for comfort and peace at this difficult time.

Cheryl, Dad, Chris, & Britt, I was very saddened to hear about your loss. Words cannot express how deeply I feel. I know that your mom is so happy and can remember so much now. I know how hard it is to let her go, but remember she is always with you and is just a breath away. Cheryl and kids, I love you all and look forward to the time that I can meet your sweet dad. May God be with you and watch over you at this difficult time.















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To the Dowling Family,

Cheryl, many of my fondest memories are sign carrier practices and sleepovers at your family home. Both of your parents were so warm and inviting. When I look back in our lives we were not only blessed with wonderful friendships but all of the relationships that came along with our connections. I will never forget your Mom's smile and kindness regarding all of our antics during the teen years. Our love and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time.

Love,

Dan and Cindi Dwyer