Obituary: Anna M. (Ross) Downer, Longtime Woburn Resident

Obituary from Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.

Anna M. (Ross) Downer of Dracut, formerly of Woburn, passed away suddenly on November 28, 2014 at the age of 86. Mrs. Anna M Downer was a resident of Woburn for 75 years, prior to moving to Dracut. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph H. Downer Sr.

Born and raised in Woburn, the daughter of Francis and Anna (Cahill) Ross. Anna was educated in the Woburn school system and graduated Woburn High class of 1946. In her earlier years she was employed for a brief time with Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

She met her husband in high school and married Joseph in 1947, happily for 63 years. Together they raised five children. Anna and Joseph moved to Dracut in 2002 where she resided until her recent passing. She was a devoted Mother and homemaker for her family. Anna was quite artistic and enjoyed crafts and painting as well as gardening.

Mrs. Anna Downer was a beloved and cherished grand/great grandmother, having 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. All were very special to her. She always enjoyed attending their sporting events, recitals and other special occasions as they grew. She especially enjoyed celebrating birthdays and spending special time with family during her treasured holiday, Christmas.

Mrs. Downer was married for 63 years and took joy in traveling to Bermuda and Florida as well as site-seeing around New England with her family and friends. Anna especially enjoyed time at the beach and the mountains.

Mrs. Downer was preceded in death by her daughter Debra, her granddaughter Ashley and her husband Joseph. She leaves behind daughters Maureen Bentz and her husband Dennis of Florida; Laurie Valente and her husband Steve of Dracut; Karen Fowle of Woburn and son Joseph H Downer Jr of Reading.

Loving grandmother to Sherri Krauss of Florida, Kristi Brouillette of Virginia, Kathleen Hoffman of Florida, Brittney, Kelsey and Steven Valente of Dracut, Keriann Fowle of Saugus, Diana Katz of Arlington, Gregory Fowle of Woburn.

Loving great grandmother to Joseph Krauss, Kaitlyn, twins Madison and Nicholas, Alyson, Skye, Adam Brouillette, Paul McGarvey, Payton Fallon-Valente, Joseph Franks-Valente; and Jossalynn and Dominic Fowle.

Ann is also sister to Margaret Gay of Florida and Robert Ross and sister in law Carol of Florida. She was predeceased by brother Frank Ross of Woburn. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral from Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main Street, Winchester on Thursday, December 4th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn at 10. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Remembrances may be made in Anna’s memory to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Professional services are under the direction of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.