BATH — Elizabeth Frances Downs, 80, of Bath, died Thursday, July 5. She was born in Waterville, on November 5, 1931, the daughter of Aquila and Frances Bushey. She grew up in Portland and graduated from Deering High School, class of 1949.

On January 17, 1951, she married Donald Downs Sr. in Portland, and the couple resided in Bath to raise their family. Downs worked for many years at the U.S. Navy base in Brunswick and also for J&J Cleaners. In addition, she worked for American Greetings Corporation, setting up displays at local stores.

Downs looked forward to spending time with her family. In her spare time she would read or work on puzzles. Recently, she had been living in Hollis with her daughter, who gave her ’round-the-clock care over the past few months.

Downs was a longtime communicant of All Saints Parish, St. Mary’s Church and was a member of the Bath Area Senior Citizens.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, in 1985; her parents in 1970; five brothers; a son, Donald Downs Jr. in 2004; and two sons-in-law, Robert Berry in 2011, and Bryan Holtzlander in 2012.

She leaves behind a sister, Ruth Pullen of Smithfield; daughter Patricia McGloin and her husband, Jack, of Hollis; daughter Anita Berry, of Bath; daughter Ruth Dumont and her husband, Ron, of Skowhegan; daughter Teresa Holtzlander of Cape Coral, Fla.; a son, Russell Downs and his wife, Diane, of Fountain, Colo.; a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Downs, of Freeport; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

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Visiting hours were held July 8 at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High Street, Bath. A funeral was held July 9 at All Saints Parish, St. Mary’s Church, Bath. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery, Bath. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Home Health Hospice, 50 Foden Road, Suite 3, South Portland, ME 04106.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit desmondfuneralhomes.com.

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Elizabeth Frances Downs, 80


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