On March 10th of this year, we lost Fran Dowd, a founding member of the Loveland Garden Club (LGC).
She was a tireless worker, organizer, supporter and cheerleader for our garden club and Lauritzen Gardens. Fran was one of the driving forces for the club’s growth and its commitment to stimulating the love of gardening both at a private and public level.
In 1983-84 Fran was one of seven enthusiastic gardeners who founded the Loveland Garden Club. One of the original goals of the club was to become a member of the Garden Club of America (GCA). Through Fran’s leadership, that goal was achieved in 1996.
The GCA tasks it’s member clubs to offer ongoing educational programs with minimal cost to the general public. With that in mind, Fran, in 2005, organized a LGC committee to discuss with the Executive Director of Lauritzen Gardens, the establishment of an ongoing project for LGC at the Gardens.
In 2007, the Loveland Garden Club Endowed Lecture Series became that ongoing project with a small start-up pledge of $25,000.
The creation of the Lecture series was a way for the Gardens to generously recognize and honor Loveland Garden Club’s many years of involvement and steadfast support in the development of the Garden.
The club ensures the long life and future development of the LGC Lecture Series Endowment with a yearly contribution. Donations to this endowed lecture series have also been designated by individuals and memorials.
Fran loved our club, she will always be remembered as a steadfast supporter of our Club & Lauritzen Gardens.
Her presence & friendship will be truly missed.