Marlene Ruth Dowling, 77, a resident of Arnold, MD, died on June 8, 2009, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, due to respiratory failure.

She was born March 6, 1932 in Asbury Park, NJ and was raised in Seaside Park, NJ. She married her husband Drew Dowling on June 6, 1953, who graduated from West Point
4 days earlier. After 12 years with the military, they settled in the Annapolis area.

Marlene attended Mount St. Mary's High School followed by Georgian Court College, both in N.J.

Marlene was employed with Dawsons Country Store and BeBeep Toy Store in Severna Park She was a homemaker and volunteered for hospice, Asbury Christian Preschool, and Arnold Elementary.

Her interests included reading and her beloved pet, Nugget. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and sponsoring Naval Academy midshipmen and their families.

Survivors include her husband, Drew Dowling of Arnold, MD; daughter, Laura Dowling of Severna Park, MD; son, Kevin Dowling of Ely, MN; son, Stephen Dowling of Annapolis, MD; daughter, Kathleen Yost of Rockledge, Fl; daughter, Eileen Lentz of Woodburn, OR; son, Bruce Dowling of Annapolis, MD; son Tim Dowling of Annapolis, MD; eighteen grandchildren; one great grandchild; and one sister, Peggy Ferraina of Long Branch, NJ.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, from 6-8 pm and on Friday 4-7 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Gov. Ritchie Hwy. in Severna Park.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Severna Park.
Interment will be held locally in the Annapolis area.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anne Arundel County SPCA, 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com