Mrs. Marguerite Ann "Megs" O'Donoghue Dowd of Concord, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2021 at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, James E. Dowd, Esq. (1999). Mother of Ann Dowd Goodhue and husband Terry of Concord, MA, the late Jane Elizabeth Dowd and the late James E. Dowd Jr. "Jed." Devoted and loving grandmother of Elise, Lexi and Amy Goodhue of Concord. Born to Katharine F. (Walsh) and Joseph E. O'Donoghue on January 11, 1925, Megs was the fifth of eight children. She grew up in Arlington, MA and graduated from Marycliff Academy before earning her BA from Regis College in 1946. She met Jim Dowd, the love of her life, in 1939 and they dated for 12 years through college, his deployment in WWII and law school before marrying in 1951. They had three children, who were the center of their universe, and moved to Concord in 1975. Later in life, Megs and Jim enjoyed traveling the world, especially through Jim's roles as the President of the Boston Stock Exchange and a Board Member at Federated Securities. They loved entertaining friends and family, rooting on the Boston College Eagles, and taking frequent drives to watch the sunset together. The stunningly tall and elegant couple lit up every room with their mutual adoration and admiration for one another, and their love story continues to inspire younger generations. Two of Megs and Jim's three children (Jane and Jed) suffered from Cystic Fibrosis and tragically passed away at ages 21 and 20 respectively. Megs was devoted to caring for her children – always active in their communities - and despite enormous heartache, she faithfully emphasized throughout her life how blessed she felt to have been chosen as their mother. Taking care of others was Megs' purpose and her joy; she relished every opportunity to care for her parents, siblings, relatives and friends. Her compassionate and gracious hospitality (and delicious chocolate cakes) are remembered fondly by all who were welcomed into her care. Her strong Catholic faith served as a beacon every day of her life, and she loved being involved in the church and teaching CCD for many years. Later, Megs became a tour guide for ExecuTours, giving corporate tours around historic Boston and the surrounding areas. After Jim passed in 1999, she was overjoyed to live with her daughter Ann and son-in-law Terry in Concord, and continued her role as a loving and supportive parental figure to her three treasured granddaughters. Elise, Lexi and Amy adored her and felt proud to share her with their friends, so much so that many felt close enough to Megs' warmth to call her "Nana Megsie." Her life was defined by love, kindness, strength, grace, and faith. She was devoted to her family and to service and with humility, always put others above herself. Megs is additionally survived by her sisters-in-law Grace Shea and Evelyn O'Donoghue as well as many loving nieces, nephews, godchildren and wonderful friends. She was predeceased by all of her beloved siblings: Mary Herlihy (George – Arlington), Elizabeth Eichorn (Bob - Charlotte, NC), John O'Donoghue (Alice – Arlington), Arlene O'Donoghue, Joseph O'Donoghue (Evelyn – Lexington), Francis O'Donoghue (Carol – Reading) and Jean Connor (Bob – Endwell, NY), as well as the in-laws she adored: Dr. Joseph and Dr. Mary Dowd (Needham), Alice Dowd (Arlington), Jim Shea (Hyde Park), Mary Dowd (Arlington). A Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Parish in Concord, MA, arranged by Dee Funeral Home, was celebrated privately due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, January 9th. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery in Waltham. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a later, safer time.  Please click here to view the video recording of Megs' Funeral Mass  .  Please click here to view the Mass Program  . In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made as donations to Cure Alzheimer's (ww.curealz.org) or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org) in Megs' memory. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.