Sandra Rose Dowling

Sandra Rose Dowling, 77, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025. She was born on June 11, 1947, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, to her loving family. Sandra dedicated her life to caring for others, serving as a nurse supervisor at Winter Haven Hospital for 30 years before retiring, then working as a hospice nurse for 20 years before retiring in 2019.

A passionate gardener, Sandy found joy in nurturing her flowers, especially her impressive collection of over 100 orchids. Her green thumb and love for beauty brought color and life to her home and community.

Sandy is survived by her husband of 31 years, Jim Dowling; her two sons, Dale Dowling and his wife Tina of Geneva, FL, and Eric Dowling of Winter Haven; her siblings, Jim (Jenni) Lewis of Amity, Oregon, Marylynne (Mick) Zink of Wewela, South Dakota, and Debbie (Lue) Graesser of Fairfield, Nebraska; her most cherished grandchild, Emilia Dowling, her significant other, Archie Workman and his daughter, Tara and her family of 2 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  So loved by her 9 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Sandy’s name to Compassionate Care Hospice, 212 E Highland Dr Ste 105, Lakeland, FL 33813.

Sandy’s warmth, compassion, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.