Growing Generosity
This month, as we celebrated All Saints Day, we were reminded of the many people whose generosity continues to shape our ministry. Among these saints is Cathy Jane Dowrey, whose birthday would have been November 14. Cathy left a bequest to Faith Foundation Northwest in 2019. Her gift continues to support the work we do in empowering and serving faith communities throughout our region.
Cathy was born in Bremerton, Washington, in 1932, and lived a life defined by service, creativity, and dedication to her community. She earned degrees in home economics, teaching, and fine arts. Cathy dedicated herself to both her family and the communities she and her husband, Rev. Robert F. Dowrey, served. She was determined to bring functional beauty through her gardening to each new community they were appointed to during the 36 years of adventures the Oregon Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church took them on.
Her obituary shared that she “always extended herself and her time freely, creating a better place wherever she went.” Her retirement in The Dalles included “volunteering for 20 years as an AARP tax aid; local and district-wide involvement in the United Methodist Women; a lifetime membership as a master gardener; and a consistent volunteer for The Dalles warming shelter on cold winter nights.” Cathy’s love for gardening, cooking, teaching, and the arts enriched every place she called home. Her laughter and generous spirit left a mark on everyone who knew her.
Gifts like Cathy’s allow Faith Foundation to support new gardens and new places for community to be nurtured. Partially supported through mini-grant funds through the Foundation, Ocean Park Camp and Retreat Center built a volunteer-run community garden to support locals experiencing food insecurity. This is the type of project that Cathy would have loved.
As we remember Cathy, we honor not only her generosity but the spirit of service and joy in which it was given. Her life and gift remind us that investing in ministry and in our communities is an act that echoes and touches lives for years to come.
