Jill Irene Blattmachr Dowd

Jill Irene Blattmachr Dowd, 82, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away from a sudden illness on February 12, 2025. She leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years, Jack Dowd, and her cherished children: Jayne Dowd, Jon Dowd (and wife Ellen), Jackie Dowd (and husband Jonathan Prince), and Josh Dowd (and wife Angelique). Jill is also survived by her adoring grandchildren: Mike, Matt, and Melissa Dowd, Jill Owen, David Prince, and Hemingway and Fox Dowd, as well as her sister, Judi Chisholm, and cousins, Warren Boyd and Jonathan and Doug Blattmachr. Jill and Jack—forever “Jack and Jill”—shared a remarkable love story that spanned more than six decades. Their journey together began in a local college pub, where fate intervened, and as Jack always loved to quote from the movie Casablanca, “Of all the gin joints in all of the world, you walked into mine.” From that moment on, they were inseparable, building a life filled with adventure, creativity, and unwavering devotion. Jill was Jack’s biggest champion, not only as his wife but also as the backbone of his successful career as an artist. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Jill was the heart of her family. She always put the needs of others before her own, and her warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Jill loved spending time with her family, whether it was taking long walks with Jack, playing games with her grandchildren, or celebrating the holidays together. Her warmth and spirit of fun were infectious. While Jill was the heart of the family, she was also its undeniable brain. Known for her sharp wit, quick mind, and love of word games, she was unbeatable in Scrabble, crossword puzzles, and just about any game that required strategy and smarts. She had a natural brilliance and an insatiable curiosity, traits that earned her top honors in school. As a young woman, she pursued nursing studies at Adelphi University, a reflection of her lifelong dedication to caring for others. Jill had a passion for genealogy and dedicated many years to researching her family’s history, as well as the histories of those she loved. She was fascinated by the connections that shaped the people around her, and her curiosity about the past reflected her deep appreciation for the bonds of family. Jill was born and raised in Rockville Centre, New York, into a distinguished family. Her father, G. Harold Blattmachr, was a highly respected attorney, a partner in a prominent New York City law firm, and the author of influential tax law books. Her mother, Jessie Rita “Jaye” Rostron, was equally accomplished—graduating from college at just 20 years old and earning recognition as a decorated swimmer and diver. Jill lost both of her parents at a young age. Through this loss, she and her sister, Judi, formed an unbreakable bond that carried them through life’s joys and challenges. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to womenofresistance.org or to the Sarasota County Public Libraries (see their website for the donation form). When donating, please add a note "In memory of Jill Dowd." Our hearts are broken today, but we are comforted by the knowledge that Jill’s legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Tributes

Jill Irene Blattmachr Dowd

February 12, 2025