Phyllis Dowling

Services for Phyllis Dowling Dowling, Phyllis Carol, (nee McFarland) of Santa Ana, California passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 90 years of age.Phyllis was born on September 25, 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska to Grace and Clifford McFarland. She grew up in Nebraska, graduated from Central High School in Omaha, and went on to the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree in Political Science in 1948. Phyllis was a lifelong Cornhusker fan and enjoyed watching her beloved Huskers play football.After graduation from the University of Nebraska, Phyllis travelled to California to visit hersister Helen and met her future husband, Dr. Robert Dowling. They married on February 18th1950 in Long Beach, California and resided in Long Beach, until moving to Santa Ana, in 1965.They had eight children.Following her husbands death in 1974, Phyllis continued her education and embraced a newcareer as a research librarian for several medical institutions throughout Orange County well intoher eighties. Her new career allowed her to embrace her love of medical science, and by assistingphysicians with research on their most difficult cases. Phyllis had an inquisitive nature and loved to learn. She was well read and loved to share books with family and friends. Phyllis also loved to travel, and traveled extensively, visiting all continents except Antarctica.Phyllis is survived by her children: Mark Dowling (Jenny), Steve Dowling, Margy Flaherty(Brian), Joe Dowling (Cynthia Hanson), Mary McKee, Jane Dowling, John Dowling (Andrea);her grandchildren: Joey Flaherty (Michelle), Kevin Flaherty, Nick Dowling (Karla Ruiz), DavidFlaherty, Kathleen Coughlan (Ben), Eric Dowling, Laura McKee, Robert Dowling, Julie Yocum(Jordan), Annie McKee, Nicholas Dowling and Max Dowling; and her great grandchildren:Kayla, Sean, Charlotte, and Peyton Flaherty.Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Robert Dowling, her son Tom, her sister HelenSherman, brother James McFarland, and her parents Grace and Clifford McFarland.Rest in peace Mom. You were loved and will be missed dearly. Funeral Information Services will be held at Saddleback Chapel located at 220 East Main Street, Tustin, California onSaturday, June 3, 2017 at 12:00 pm.

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