BANGOR – Irene Cecelia (O’Connor) Downes, wife of the late James Earl Downes, passed away Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, in Bangor, with loving family members at her side. She was born Dec. 14, 1922, at her family home in Brewer, one of 11 children of Timothy and Mary Ellen (Barry) O’Connor. She attended Brewer schools and graduated from Brewer High School as class salutatorian in 1939 at age 16. She married Earl in 1943 while he was serving in World War II and supported him while he was in combat in Europe through inspirational cards and letters. Irene was a devoted wife and mother, raising four children in their Bangor home. She was a secretary at Bangor High School from 1964 to 1978. Irene and Earl traveled extensively around the U.S., to Central and South America, and to Europe. Later in life, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Israel and traveled to multiple national and international academic workshops as a participant in Elderhostel programs. Spending time with her children and their families also brought her great joy. She loved to play cards and read, and was an avid bowler. During her early years, she spent many evenings roller-skating with Earl. Irene was very interested in politics and often worked as an election clerk at the polls. She also served as a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital and was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bangor. Surviving are four children, Richard Downes and his wife, Natividad, of Georgetown, Texas, Judith Crosby and her husband, Herbert, of Orono, Philip Downes and his wife, Patricia, of Sidney, and Gary Downes and his wife, Wendy, of Hermon; grandchildren, Kathleen Lusardi, Stephen Downes, Michael Downes, Heidi Crosby, Amy Crosby, Melissa Fiori and Christopher Downes; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Kenney of Orono; many nieces and nephews. Family and friends may visit 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bangor. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions in her memory to St. Joseph Hospital Comfort Care, P.O. Box 1638, Bangor, ME 04402-1638. Condolences may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.
IRENE CECILIA (O’CONNOR) DOWNES
