Obituary of Denise Ganther Dowling

Denise Ganther Dowling, a devoted social worker and cherished mother, passed away peacefully at her home in Wilton, CT, on December 2nd at the age of 83. Born on April 1, 1941, in New York City, she was the beloved daughter of P. Howard and Oleta Ganther. A resident of Connecticut for nearly 50 years, Denise attended White Plains High School and Ohio Wesleyan University, later earning her degree from Southern Connecticut State University. In 1962, she married Peter Chisholm Dowling, with whom she shared 55 loving years of marriage until his passing. Denise dedicated her life to helping others, serving as Director of the Women's Emergency Shelter in Waterbury, CT, and a runaway shelter in Connecticut. Her tireless advocacy extended to her role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children and her mentorship of incarcerated women at Niantic Correctional Institution in Connecticut and Taconic Correctional Facility in New York. Denise will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, humor, aesthetic taste, and commitment to improving the lives of others. She leaves behind her son, Christopher Paul Dowling of Litchfield, CT; her daughters, Lauren Anne Dowling of Cos Cob, CT, and Denise Gale Dowling of South Portland, ME; her beloved grandson, Peter; and a wide circle of cherished friends and extended family. She was predeceased by her brother, H. Bradley Ganther, in 2010. Calling hours for Denise will be held on Saturday, December 7th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Lesko Funeral Home, located at 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. A reception will follow immediately after the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Denise's memory may be made to Hour Children, 36-11 12th Street, Long Island City, NY 11106, https://hourchildren.org/, reflecting her lifelong dedication to supporting women and families in need.