Thomas Arthur O’Dowd, age 73 of Brookfield. Beloved husband and a blessing to Marilyn E. O’Dowd, nee Kohout; loving father of Jennifer (Tom) Kowaczek, Kathleen O’Dowd; dear grandfather of Dilana Kowaczek; brother of Annette (Patrick “Steve”) Bailey and Dr. James O’Dowd; uncle of Patrick Bailey, Suzanne Gonzalez, Daniel Bailey and the late John Bailey. Thomas was a graduate of Loyola University Chicago (BA) and National Lewis University (MA). He taught for 16 years and retired from Our Lady of the Snows, Chicago. He was a lover of books, traveled the world and was a jovial grandpa. Visitation Tuesday, July 17, 2018 from 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Funeral Wednesday 9:30 A.M. to St. Barbara Parish, 4008 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, Attn. Sister Rosemary Connelly, 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660 or Ronald McDonald House Charities, Springfield House, 610 N. 7th Street, Springfield, IL 62702. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
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I am very sorry that you have suffered this loss. It is hard to know just what to say when a loved one dies. Be assured that our loving Creator is aware of your loss and pain. Through His son, Christ Jesus, he has arranged to bring back to life, “all those in the memorial tombs.” (John 5:28,29) At that time, Rev. 21:3-5 says: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also, he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend. May God’s Word comfort you and your family. Sincerely, Meryl
Tom O’Dowd was one of God’s finest creations. I will remember his lovely smile and infectious laugh. He changed the direction of my life by insisting that Quaker Oats was the best place for me. I was with Tom the night he met his beloved Marilyn. I felt honored to be called “his friend”. My heart is broken. Rest In Peace my sweet Irishman.
Kat and family,
My heart goes out to you for your pain and grief over the loss of Tom. I’m sure he will be honored now as in the future by his family and generations to come.
Cindy
Marilyn and family: Chris and I express our sympathy for the loss of Tom. God bless you.
Larry and Chris Hitzman
Hollister, Missouri
Our deepest condolences to the O’Dowd family and in particular to you Katy and to your mom.
Love,
Irma, Greg, Giorgio.
He was my voice of reason. Tom was a great supporter of education and stressed the love of reading to his students.In fact, what Tom did 20 years ago (reading aloud in groups)is so in vogue. He KNEW what he was doing. Marilyn, his love for you, the girls, and grandchildren was always evident in all our conversations. The strength of your relationship is what I will remember most. I wish I had a great book quote to end it, but Tom probably would have topped it. May God bless him and I am a better person for knowing him. He was right, you’ll be working forever relying on your Catholic teacher’s pension (LOL). Our deepest sympathy – David and Michele