Mrs. Yolanda M. (Scheri) Dowe

Mrs. Yolanda M. “Yo” (Scheri) Dowe, age 84, went home to her Lord when she passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Born in Utica on April 19, 1932, Yolanda was the daughter of the late William and Antoinette (Conte) Scheri. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1950. On September 7, 1959 she married Albert Dowe, Jr. with whom she shared 56 years in a union blessed with true love. They were extremely close and had common values and interests. They were of one mind and one heart, a blessing that made them dedicated and ideal parents. In the workforce, Yolanda was employed by Dr. Samuel T. Rubino for several years. In addition to her many responsibilities at home, Yolanda helped her husband run the family business, Dowe’s Market on Columbia Square in West Utica. On the home front, she worked from dusk to dawn as a dedicated mother and homemaker. She was passionate about her children, always supportive and instructive. She gave them the greatest love and guidance a mom could give based on her life experiences and their needs… and always with good intentions. She made peace when there was discord and she never spoke of others with negativity. She was a benevolent person who cared for everyone before herself. Cooking was an integral part of her life and she spent many hours preparing and presenting delicious meals for her family. Baking was a breeze for Yo and her fabulous cookie trays were appreciated by many. As matriarch, she handled holidays and festivities with style, grace, and elegance. From the comfort of her home, she embraced her husband’s passion and love of sports, and in younger years she enjoyed bowling and gardening. But her greatest interest was watching her children come into their own as great folks, fair-minded, and successful in their lives and livelihoods. She practiced her Catholic faith as a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Yolanda is survived by her husband, Al; her daughter, Sherry L. Gerace of New Hartford; her sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. David A. and Franca D. Dowe of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, Daniel W. Dowe, Esq. and Janet Dowe, Esq. of Bronxville, NY, and Steven R. Dowe, Esq. and Lori A. Dowe of Manhattan; her grandchildren, Jessica, and Allie Dowe; Triplets Lauren, Christina, and Caroline, and Allison Dowe; and Alexander, and Nicholas Dowe. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Lila Atkinson, Margaret “Marge” Scheri, Judi Scheri, Laurice R. Gigliotti Jr., Beverly DiGirolamo, Joseph and Suellen Dowe, Margaret and James Costello, and Richard H. and Cheryl Dowe; and her friends, including longtime friend Wendy Bowers; Dorothy Rich, and Vincent and Lucille Chapman who visited weekly at the Masonic Home. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank A. and Martha “Margie” Scheri, Anthony Scheri, Albert and Fannie Scheri, and Ralph “Ruffy” Scheri; her in-laws, Donald W. Atkinson, Louis J. Gigliotti, and Dominick DiGirolamo; her niece, Marie Roser; and her nephew, William Scheri. The family is grateful to Dr. Guy Wilcox who shared a great degree of professional care and compassionate, personal concern for Yolanda; the staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY notably the Buffalo Household, nurses and especially the aides who were angels; and Fr. Joseph Salerno and Fr. Lucas who brought pastoral blessings. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org, or the Central New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 441 W Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204 or online at http://www.alz.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Yolanda’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Committal Prayers and Interment will follow graveside at Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Yolanda M. (Scheri) Dowe

April 19, 1932 - May 22, 2016