Janet M. Corraro Dowd, 60, of East Haven, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of James Dowd for 39 years.  Janet was born in New Haven on May 26, 1954; daughter of the late Martin E. and Susan Savo Corraro.  Janet’s home and heart was opened to many young people seeking guidance, advice or maybe just a hug; she was a comforter, caregiver, friend and was affectionately known as the “community mother”.  Loving mother of Jessica Dowd and James Dowd, Jr.  Loving sister of Linda (Joseph) Russo.  Grammy to her precious Payton Orosco who was the light of her life.  Beloved aunt of Joey Russo and Lisa (Jamie) Rivard.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews from the Dowd family.

Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., Wednesday morning at 10:15 am.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Vincent de Paul Church at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow in East Lawn Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Melissa Marottoli Hogan Foundation, 6 Partridge Lane, Branford, CT 06405