Patty Dowden

Patty Dowden, 74, of Nederland, Texas joined her beloved husband, on Sunday, June 19, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Patty was born on August 31, 1947, to Joe and Anna Chiarella in Suffern, Rockland County, New York.

A New Yorker by birth, but a Texan at heart, loved ones joked that Patty got here as soon she could! She won over all the Dowdens with her spunky personality and was adopted with open arms by her loving in-laws. Patty never met a stranger and her gift of gab was unmatched. Throughout her life, she was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed nothing more than spoiling her grandchildren. When not doting on, feeding huge amounts of delicious home cooked meals, or otherwise taking care of folks, Patty enjoyed SHOPPING, cheering on her Nederland Bulldogs, watching Classic or Lifetime channel Christmas movies and spending time by the pool.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Chiarella and Anna Martino Chiarella; brother, Joey Chiarella; son, Mark Dowden; grandchildren Walt and Millie Wimer; and most recently, her loving husband, Jerry.

Those left behind to cherish Patty’s memory are her daughters, Sara Wimer and her husband, Andre of Port Neches, TX; Cindy Holstien of Winnie, TX; grandchildren, Jessica Dowden, Mya Wimer, Kirby Wimer, Jenny McWilliams and her husband, Stephen; great-grandchildren, Mason Robinson, Averie McWilliams and Talon McWilliams.

Patty’s family would like to thank her village of helpers and caregivers, including Chris, Linda, Dorothy, Margaret, Barbara, Jennifer, the nursing staffs at Texas Oncology, MD Anderson, most especially her “adopted son” Dr. Gao, Memorial Herman Stroke unit, especially James, and Harbor Hospice.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Patty’s Life to begin at 2:00 p.m., at Melancon’s Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland.

Like so many, Patty fought a valiant battle against cancer. She found victory in the arms of Jesus, but If you would like to continue her fight, we invite you to donate directly to MD Anderson in Mom’s name at https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate/honor-loved-ones.html Tribute notifications may be forwarded to PO Box 260 Nederland, TX 77627.