Sister Clare Dowling, P.B.V.M., of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died Feb. 8 at Valley View Center in Goshen, N.Y. She was 96.

Born in Manhattan, she entered the community at Mount St. Joseph, New Windsor, N.Y., in 1943 and professed final vows on Aug. 25, 1949.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Manhattan College and a master’s in education from Fordham University.

Known as Sister Mary Clare, she taught at St. Frances of Rome and Our Lady of Solace Schools, Bronx; St. Michael’s Elementary School, Manhattan; St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach; St. Andrew School, Clifton, N.J. and St. Lucy School, Houma, La.

On returning from Louisiana, Sister Clare taught special needs students at Our Lady of the Snows School, North Floral Park, 1968-86. In later years, she served as a counselor at Catherine Sheridan Home, and in the finance offices at St. Michael Academy and Mount St. Joseph.

Burial was in Mount St. Joseph Cemetery, New Windsor.