Sydney Dowd, 84

LACONIA — Sydney (Stackpole) Dowd, 84, passed away on May 20, 2026, in Laconia.

She was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, the daughter of Gladys and William Stackpole.

A talented tap dancer, she was one of the first to perform on live television (WRGB Schenectady, New York) c. 1950. After attending the University of Massachusetts, she lived in New York City, where she worked in the editorial department of Time magazine and met husband-to-be John Dowd. They moved to New Hampshire, upon his retirement, and Sydney became a successful Realtor.

She was a communicant at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Laconia, and a dedicated volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Her pet dogs held a special place in her heart.

Sydney leaves a brother, Dr. Terrell Stackpole; stepson Rev. Barry Dowd; sister-in-law Margaret Stackpole; and a niece and three nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Christopher Stackpole, and sister-in-law, Mariann Stackpole.

Following a graveside service, her remains were interred next to those of her parents in Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.