CASTLETON, VT

Patricia R. Dow, 78, a resident of Castleton and a former longtime resident of Hartland passed away unexpectedly Monday morning at the Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland.

She was born May 19, 1940 in Springfield, VT the daughter of Herbert H. and Mary (Wilson) Ranney. She received her schooling in Windsor and graduated from Windsor High School in 1958. She then attended and graduated from Castleton State College earning her Bachelors Degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Newfane, VT. She married Stephen P. Dow in Windsor on September 14, 1963. She taught for the Hartland School District at the Hartland Elementary School for six years, until taking time away to raise her family. Mrs. Dow resumed teaching in 1977 for the Windsor School District at State Street School until her retirement in 2002. Following her retirement she was employed at Encore Books in West Lebanon for five years and more recently at the Hanover Coop in White River Jct. for two years.

Pat was an avid horseback rider. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was truly devoted to, and loved raising her family, including her children, her sister and her brother.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Survivors include her husband of fifty five years, Stephen Dow of Castleton, three sons, James Dow of Castleton, Jason Dow and his longtime companion, Jennifer Towne of West Windsor, and Joel Dow also of Castleton, three granddaughters, whom she cherished, Jacklyn Dow and Sydney Dow of Castleton and Hailey Dow of West Windsor, one brother, Michael Ranney of Cornish, NH, one sister, Debra Rowlee of Reading, VT, her former daughter-in-law, Bobbie Jo Dow and her companion, Cindy Lack of Poultney, VT, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon, November 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. At Mrs. Dow's request a private committal service will be held at the convenience of her family at a later date in the Hartland Village Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital at PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38101-9908.