Nicole A. Dowling

Shrewsbury - One of Nicole Dowling’s most endearing qualities was her noticeable French – Canadian accent, which she never lost; it helped keep her grounded to her native soil, which she loved so very much, and it endeared her to many. Nicole always had music playing in her home. She loved most genres of music, but if asked about her favorites, she’d quickly respond the ‘Bee Gees’ and Willie Nelson. 

In earlier years, she loved skiing, and she enjoyed visiting her much-loved native Canada. Her home often had a good dish ready…especially her Canadian Meat Pie in the colder months. Of course, she always had a scented candle lit…typically lavender. Nicole was fun-loving and chatted up friends and strangers alike, making all in her company feel welcome and comfortable; everyone would leave a conversation with Nicole smiling or laughing. She absolutely cherished the role of grandmother later in life. Nicole was always content being outside whether in the yard, on the ski slopes or on a vacation with Ed and the family. She welcomed and adored the company of her daughter’s dog, Rosie and happily provided day-care. 

Nicole died unexpectedly at home on Monday, November 4, 2024. She was 80. 

Nicole was born on July 17, 1944 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada the daughter of the late Roland and (her beloved) Hortense (Brunet) Beauchamp. Raised and educated in Canada she married Bronx, New York native Edward J. Dowling Jr. on September 27, 1975. Longtime residents of Shrewsbury for over 40 years they moved to West Boylston in 2013. After 48 years of marriage, Ed died July 3, 2024. Professionally, she held secretarial positions across numerous settings, and she had the joy of running a home daycare for a short time. 

In addition to her husband, Ed, she was predeceased by her cherished sister, with whom she shared an extremely close lifelong bond, Monique Riel. 

She leaves her heartbroken children, Monique N. Dowling of Worcester and Michael P. Dowling (Julie) of Shrewsbury; her beloved grandchildren, Thomas and Casey Dowling; her sister-in-law, Margaret Phaneuf (Robert) of Sterling; nieces and nephews including Nadine Riel, Lyne Riel, Chantal Leger, Marianne, Robert, Daniel and Jeanne Phaneuf.

Family and friends will honor and remember Nicole’s life by gathering for morning wake on Monday, November 11th from 10 – 11 a.m. at Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross Street, Boylston, followed by her Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial is Tuesday, November 12th in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 11:15 a.m. 

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.