Catherine "Katy" Dowdalls

Catherine “Katy” Dowdalls lived a life as vibrant and layered as the stories she helped bring to the screen. A woman of warmth, quiet strength, and uncommon grace, Katy moved through the world with an eye for beauty and a gift for making everyone around her feel seen.

Katy spent years in Hollywood as a Script Supervisor in television production — a role that perfectly suited her meticulous mind and love of storytelling. Working on sets that few people ever see, she was the quiet guardian of continuity, the one who made sure every detail was true, every scene connected, and every story held together. It was demanding, detail-driven work, and Katy excelled at it.

Later, she found a second home — in spirit as much as in occupation — at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. As a Retail Specialist with experience across all retail locations on the estate, she also served two years as a House Host in the Biltmore House itself. She was someone who could go anywhere, adapt to anything, and enrich every room she walked into. It suited her perfectly.

In Hollywood, she ensured stories were told faithfully. At the Biltmore, she helped guests connect with a living piece of American history. In both places, she was a keeper of something precious.

Away from the set and the estate, Katy’s heart had an endless capacity for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. She was a devoted animal lover and dedicated pet rescuer, opening her home and heart to animals in need throughout her life. Her compassion for the vulnerable — human or otherwise — was one of her most defining qualities.

And then there were the cookies. From Hollywood to the Biltmore Estate and Winery, Katy had a way of showing love that everyone understood: freshly baked cookies, shared without hesitation. Everyone around her knew the warmth of something she had made with her own hands. It was a small gesture that said everything about who she was: someone who wanted the people around her to feel cared for.

But above all, Katy will be remembered for how she loved. She was a devoted friend — the kind of person who showed up not just in the easy moments, but in the hard ones. Even in her final weeks, she faced the end of her life with the same dignity and authenticity that marked everything she did, surrounded by people who cherished her.

She is survived by many close family members, by the many friends (she considered family) — and the rescued animals — whose lives are richer for having known her.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.