It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Anne Dowdy (nee Shivery), who left us on April 3, 2025.  Karen was born on September 23, 1946, in Swedesboro, NJ.  She was raised in her home on Repauno Avenue in Gibbstown, where she lived until spending her later years in Chincoteague, Virginia.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Lousia and Clyde Shivery; sister, Claire Kauffman; former husband, John R. Dowdy Jr.; and her son, John R. Dowdy, III.

Karen leaves behind her husband, Ben Sias; her son, Aaron (Carrie), stepdaughters Kerri, Casey (Max), and Andrea; bonus son, Louie Donofrio (Alisa); grandchildren, Riely, Jonna, Nora, Junior, Sammy, Ethan, Emma and Zoey; bonus grandchildren, Matt, Naila, Matt Jr. Ella and Olivia Tanczak, Giana Miller; her nieces, Cindy Battersby(Frank), Charlene Hresko (Bryan); her nephew, Keith Kauffman (Marilee); her lifelong friend, Elizabeth (Betts) Feldman; and many nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Karen grew up in Gibbstown, surrounded by loving family and friends.  She attended Gibbstown Broad Street Elementary and Paulsboro High School. She spent her summers making memories at Blue Dolphin Campground and at the Hindle's on Old Avalon Boulevard, and at her father's Deer Club, Rising Sun, in New Gretna.  After high school, she raised her two sons and took care of her mother.  She started selling Avon and quickly became everyone's Avon Lady.  She continued being an Avon Rep for many years.  She was also active with Gibbstown's Historical Society and the Gibbstown Republican Club.

Karen met Ben in 1985 and they quickly became inseparable. Together they built an incredible life together, filled with adventure and traveling. They visited all 50 States, Canada, Mexico, many tropical islands and England, where Karen was able to visit her family's ancestral home. Throughout her life Karen enjoyed many activities including reading, fishing and being near the water, cooking, baking, taking in countless animals, gardening and knitting. One of the most cherished gifts of the family was receiving one of her famous hand knitted Christmas stockings.  She had a knack for growing any type of plant or flower.  Her yard was one of the most beautiful in Chincoteague.

Karen will be remembered for her cooking, kindness and her ability to connect with anyone she met.  For those of us fortunate to know her, it will be her warm smile and sense of humor that will be missed the most.  She cherished every moment spent with family, creating a legacy of love and togetherness.  To know her was to love her.

Following her wishes, there will be no service.  Please join the family in a Celebration of Life on Saturday April 26, 2025 at the Gibbstown VFW, 743 W. Broad Street, Gibbstown, from 1pm-5pm. ARRANGEMENTS BY LANDOLFI FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. BROAD ST., PAULSBORO NJ. To share condolences/memories please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com