Helen (Gallagher) Dowd, 96, of Middletown, wife of the late Thomas Dowd, passed away on Monday, December 24, 2012 at Apple Rehab of Rocky Hill in Rocky Hill.

     Helen was born in Brooklyn, NY, on July 24, 1916, the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Fox) Gallagher. She had a strong appreciation of family, she spent her life raising her children, being the best Grandma, and lovingly caring for her sisters.

     She is survived by her daughters, Mary Ellen D’Alessio of Cromwell and JoAnn Gebhardt of Middletown, sisters, Theresa Helstosky of Middletown, Nancy Mann of NY, two grandchildren, three great-grandsons and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Catherine Cook and Mary Hemingway.

     Funeral Liturgy will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, Westfield St., Middletown. Burial will be in the State Veterans’ Cemetery, Middletown.