Marie Downes

Marie T. Downes, 90, was called home to heaven on November 3, 2013 at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor. Marie was born September 11, 1923 in Brewer, the daughter of Leo and Florence (McVarish) Goupee. Marie graduated from Brewer High School class of 1941 and from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Brighton Massachusetts in 1944. She served in the U.S. Army in WWII as a nurse 2nd Lieutenant.
Marie was married to William F. Downes on April 10, 1948; they celebrated 58 wonderful years together. She served as a registered Nurse in Eastport and Bangor, continuing her career as office nurse for Dr. Lawrence Cutler while raising five children. As an active member of St. Mary’s Parish, Marie served as a Eucharistic Minister and was active in the RCIA program and Legion of Mary.
After retirement, Marie volunteered as a nurse and as bereavement coordinator in the St. Joseph’s Hospice program. Marie loved sewing, gardening and being NANA to her 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Europe, Australia and Alaska. Marie was a selfless individual who loved doing things for others and will be greatly missed by many.
Marie was predeceased by her husband Bill who died in 2007. She is survived by five children, Paula Downes Vogel and husband Howard Vogel of Lexington MA, Jim Downes of Bangor, Brenda Lombard and husband Steve of Gorham, Charles Downes and wife Johnetta of Brewer and Karen Farnham and husband Don of Winterport, nine grandchildren Katie Downes, Jon Vogel, Michael Downes, Joe Vogel, Colby Downes, Kevin Lombard, Marcus Downes, Andy Farnham and Jaida Downes and one great granddaughter, Ella Marie Vogel and sister in law Kathleen Jacobs. Marie was predeceased by her brother Leo Goupee and sister Madeline Gray. Marie’s family expresses their thanks for the wonderful care she was given by Loving Touch caregivers for eight years and by the staff during her stay at the Maine Veterans’ Home.
Friends are welcome to call from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday November 6, 2013 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St, Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday November 7,, 2013 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ohio Street, Bangor. Those who wish to remember Marie in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Hospice of St. Joseph, Attn. Nicole Heanssler, P.O. Box 1638, Bangor, 04402-1638 or the Maine Veterans’ Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, 04401.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.