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 & 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 traveled to California to visit her sister Helen and met her future husband, Dr. Robert Dowling. They married on February 18, 1950 in Long Beach, California and resided in Long Beach, until moving to Santa Ana, in 1965. They had eight children.
Following her husband's death in 1974, Phyllis continued her education and embraced a new career as a research librarian for several medical institutions throughout Orange County well into her 80's. Her new career allowed her to embrace her love of medical science, and by assisting physicians 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), David Flaherty, 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 Helen Sherman, brother James McFarland, and her parents Grace & Clifford McFarland.
Services will be held at Saddleback Chapel located at 220 East Main Street, Tustin, California on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the City Of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010.
Rest in peace Mom. You were loved and will be missed dearly.