Mary Henrietta "Molly" (Duggan) Dowd

Mary Henrietta “Molly” Dowd, born April 16, 1941, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A native San Franciscan, Molly grew up in a time when neighbors knew each other’s families and friendships lasted a lifetime. She and her late husband, Dr. Gilmore (Gil) Dowd, remained connected to their community of lifelong San Franciscans throughout their lives.

Molly was born and raised in San Francisco. She was the second daughter of Dr. William (Bill) Duggan and Constance “Connie” Rippon Duggan. She had an older sister Paula Metzer and two younger sisters, Peg Duggan, and Willa Duggan. Summers were spent at the Duggan Ranch in the Moon Mountain region of Sonoma, CA with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Molly graduated from Mercy High School in 1959. She briefly attended Dominican University of California before being swept off her feet by the love of her life. While her husband pursued medical school, Molly embraced motherhood, giving birth to four children in just over five years. With deep devotion, she raised her family and created a home filled with love, warmth, and laughter.

She was a supportive and loving sister, wife, friend, mother, and grandmother. Molly was known for her unwavering kindness, compassionate heart, and the gift of truly listening. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and deeply valued by her positive nature.

Even through her long journey with Alzheimer’s, Molly never lost her radiant spirit. She met each day’s challenges with grace, laughter, and a smile that uplifted everyone around her. In her final weeks, though she could no longer speak, her beautiful blue eyes looked piercingly into your soul, conveying the tender presence of love in her heart. She kept a beautiful smile on her face to let us know that she was at peace.

She was an extraordinary individual whose warm presence and gentle countenance made everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

Molly is survived by her children, Gil Dowd III (Diana Williams), Kathleen Dowd, Kevin Dowd and Kristen Dowd Addicks and her sister, Peg Duggan, her grandchildren: Bryce Dowd, Annalise Mangan (Jack Mangan), Rachael Dowd, Annika Belzer, Conor Belzer, Julian Belzer, Molly Pratt (Peter Pratt), Jack Dowd, Claire Dowd, Skye Addicks and Casey Addicks and several loving nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life Mass will be held on September 5, 2025, at noon at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 180 Harrison Avenue, in Sausalito. Reception to follow in the Duggan Hall which can be found on the lower level of Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Henrietta "Molly" (Duggan) Dowd, please visit our floral store.