19xx – June 13, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
This is to let you know that our dear colleague, Deirdre Dowsett, who served with many of us in the Maharashtra Human Development Project in India in the 1970s and 80s passed away at the Benetas Oaks Aged Care Home in Gisborne, Victoria, Australia, on 13th June morning. She and Philip Dowsett spent many years in Maliwada village, Maharashtra, where the Human Development Training School for project volunteers was based. Philip, who received the news from her partner Elaine Fragar, said in an email to me yesterday: “In recent years Deirdre battled a complex of medical issues, and now her trials and tribulations are over. As soon as I have details of the funeral arrangements, which I understand will be live streamed, I will forward them to people.”Kind regards,
~~ V.Dharmalingam
Dharmalingam, Oh, thanks for letting us know of Dierdre’s passing. We worked together in Kemper in the early 80s and I remember her with great fondness.
Thank you, Dharma, for this news of the completed life of beloved Deirdre Dowsett. Joe and I first met her and Phil at the Oombulgurri Human Development Consult in 1975. They were such a powerful and committed team, as were all the auxiliary staff there at the inauguration of the First of our Global Band of 24. Much later Deirdre shared her leadership gifts (as well as savvy and patience) as part of the Student House staff at “Kemper”. Our twin sons benefitted from her guidance on their memorable “Sixth Grade Trip”, portaging canoes near the Canadian border. Thank you, good and faithful “Spirit Sister”, for the love you generously shared in many, many locations across the world.