Kathryn M. Dowling

Kathryn Maria Dowling, 64, passed away on April 3, 2024, at Christian Northeast Hospital in St. Louis. Kathy was born in St. Louis the daughter of Michael and MaryLee (Woerther) Knopf on March 12, 1960.

Kathy was a 1978 graduate of Laboure High School, where she played volleyball and softball. During that time, she worked for Father Larry Walsh with the Catholic Youth Council. Later she worked at Lombardo’s Restaurant, where she met her husband and soul mate, Patrick Dowling. They were married at Holy Cross Church in Baden on June 10, 1983. Three years later, she and her husband opened their own family practice, Dowling Optometry, and Kathy worked alongside her husband for 38 years, as she managed the office. During that time, she became well known and loved by their many patients.

In her spare time, Kathy enjoyed weekend trips to Lake of the Ozarks, watching Cardinal baseball, playing the lottery, and caring for their dogs Frosty, and then Buddy. She was known and loved by many for her friendly personality, her boundless sense of humor, and her genuine compassion for others.

A brother-in-law, Michael Newsham, preceded her in death. Kathy is survived by her husband of 41 years, Patrick, two brothers and a sister: Michael (Kimberly) Knopf, of Eldon, MO; Carol (Michael) Newsham of St. Louis; and Mark (Darla) of Fort Myers, FL.  She will also be missed by nieces and nephews Michael (Susie) Newsham, Chris Newsham, and Elizabeth Newsham; Maggie (Adam) Wilson; Abigail (Jason) Petticrew; and Kevin Knopf; as well as great nieces and nephews Jack, Nori, and Teddy Newsham; and Archer and Harper Wilson.

Cremation services were entrusted to Baue Funeral Home in St. Peters, MO.  A visitation service will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Baden (1018 Baden Ave., St. Louis) on May 3 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral mass will immediately follow at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.