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Sister Elizabeth (Beth) Dowd, O.S.U. a renowned music educator who taught generations of children and families, died Dec. 11. She was 86.
In 1994, Sister Beth founded Songcatchers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of “reaching for peace through music” by providing children with affordable access to high quality music education and enrichment.
She wasya teacher and choral director at the Academy of Mount St. Ursula, St. Athanasius School and St. Philip Neri, all in the Bronx; the former New Rochelle Catholic Elementary School; and in Massachusetts and Maryland.
She was also active in campus ministry at the College of New Rochelle and music ministry at Blessed Sacrament parish, New Rochelle.
Born in Holyoke, Mass., she entered the Ursuline Sisters Novitiate in 1956 and professed final vows in 1964. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle and received her master of arts and master of music degrees from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
She was a resident of United Hebrew Center, New Rochelle.
Sister Beth was predeceased by six siblings, including Sister Mary Dowd, O.S.U. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, a Funeral Mass will not be offered. A private burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.
