Judith Bourne (Dowd)

Judith Ann Battles Dowd Bourne, age 79, died peacefully January 8, 2020, at Judson Park in Cleveland, OH after an extended illness.  She was the beloved wife and beautiful best friend to her husband John Mackintosh Bourne.

Judy was born in 1940 in New York City to Dorothy Battles Lane and Clifford Battles, raised in Lakewood, OH, and graduated Lakewood Schools in 1958.  She graduated from The Ohio State University School of Dental Hygiene in 1961.  She began her lifelong dedication to Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at college, later becoming Cleveland Chapter President in 2002 and local Theta of the Year in 2008.

Judy worked as a dental hygienist in Cleveland before marrying E. Healy Dowd in 1963.  Together they had three children, all of whom survive.  Judy’s main interests at that time were love of family, summer vacations in Canada and leadership of The Homecrafter’s Shop, an arts and crafts consignment store in Cleveland.  Tragically, after 19 years of marriage, she was widowed at age 42 in 1983 upon the unexpected death of Healy Dowd.  Judy continued faithfully raising their family and later undertook a new goal of obtaining a bachelor degree.  She enrolled at John Carroll University as an Art History major, receiving her degree in 1996, when she was recognized as Woman Student of her year and elected to the University’s honor society Alpha Sigma Nu.

After five years of widowhood Judy was introduced by her OSU roommate to John Bourne, beginning a lasting commitment of 32 years.  Subsequently, Judy became involved with, and served as an officer of The Women's Council of the Cleveland Museum of Art.  She also joined The Women’s Committee of the Cleveland Institute of Music, becoming President in 1997 and later serving on the Board of Trustees of CIM.

Judy is survived by her children: Jennifer S. Dowd (Arthur Spangel) of New York City,  Allison D. Stabile (Harry James) of Nashville, TN, and Connor H. Dowd (Pamela) of Newport, RI and stepchildren: Frances W. Bourne of Chagrin Falls, John M.  Bourne, Jr. (Trina) of Shaker Heights, Robert G. Bourne (Stephanie) of Chardon and David N.  Bourne (GraceAnn) of Kirtland Hills. Loving grandmother of Katherine and Madeline Stabile; Elizabeth, Healy, Carson and Griffin Dowd; Isaac, Anne, Sidney, Mason, Jacob, Andrew, Vaughn and Gwyneth Bourne.

The family wishes to express their great appreciation to the Judson staff for their care and comfort given Judy during recent years and particularly to her loving companion Mrs. Gloria Moorer.  Contributions may be made in Judy’s name to the Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106, Judson Foundation, 2181 Ambleside Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106 or The Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 where a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 11:30 AM.