Vince Veltri Dowling, age 77, died in the presence of family members on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at Forestview Skilled Nursing Center with the hymn "Here I Am Lord" recorded by the choir of St. Paul R.C. Church playing in the background.

She was born in Erie December 21, 1932, daughter of the late Dominic and Jenny Marinelli Veltri. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School and Edinboro University and taught Social Studies at Academy, Strong Vincent and East High Schools. She marked her career by an unwavering commitment to her students, putting them above all else. An unyielding fighter against prejudice and injustice, she was an early advocate of school based anti-bullying programs and was also instrumental in establishing a peer review disciplinary board at East High School. She also taught clerical skills to young women as an entry path to the work force.
She was a dedicated volunteer, providing many years of service at the Rape Crisis Center, St. George Parish Food Bank, St. Paul Neighborhood Free Clinic, Srs. of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network, and the Emmaus Soup Kitchen. She also generously supported St. Jude Research Hospital.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a beloved niece, Vinni Bordonaro.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Robert M. Dowling, five children, Karen of Boulder, CO; Dr. Robert and wife Barbara of Louisville, KY; Jennifer of Ellicott City, MD; Thomas and wife Lori of Pittsburgh, PA; and Michael and wife Karen of Canton, Ohio; a sister, Rose Bordonaro and a brother, Michael Veltri, both of Erie; nine grandchildren, Collin and Tristan Cargnel of Boulder, CO; Nicolas Sean and Tia Dowling of Louisville, KY; Chelsea and Jameson Dowling of Pittsburgh, PA; and Taylor and Mitchell Dowling of Canton, OH; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours at Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden,
Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Services there at 11:20 with a Funeral Mass at St. George Church at 12 Noon. Interment Tuesday at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Memorials to Alzheimer's Assn., 1128 State St., Erie, PA 16501-1920.