Alma Downing

The family announces with sadness Alma’s passing at Hotel Dieu St. Joseph Hospital in Perth-Andover, NB, on April 28, 2023.

Alma was the eldest child of Richard and Pearl (Durost) Downing. She was born in Aroostook, NB, on December 18, 1928. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brother, Richard, her sisters Anne Waugh, Norma Sherwood, Marjorie Morton and Betty Price. She is survived by two brothers, James Downing of Aroostook and Gerald “Jerry” Downing (Carol) of Grande Prairie, Alberta; three sisters, Lois Walker Gillin of Fredericton, Nina Crookes (Alfred) of Kelowna, BC, and Connie Scott (Larry) of San Angelo, Texas.

Alma graduated from Aroostook Superior School and went on to train as a nurse at the Victoria Public Hospital in Fredericton from which she graduated in 1950. Alma was Dr. Everett Chalmers’ office nurse for 35 years. On her retirement in 1992 she returned home to Aroostook to care for our mother who passed away in 1998.

Alma was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Paul’s United Church while she lived in Fredericton. When she returned home she attended St. James United Church in Andover, also very active there until her health declined in 2021.

Her family wishes to express sincere thanks for the care Alma received while at the Upper Valley Regional Hospital and at Hotel Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital.

Funeral service was held on Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 2:00 at St. James United Church in Perth-Andover, NB. Rev. Shirley DeMerchant officiated. Interment followed in the Presbyterian Rural Cemetery.

Music for the service was by organist Dawn Bishop and the Wednesday Evening Fiddlers. The eulogy was given by Lois Walker Gillin.

Pallbearers were Peter Waugh, Michael Waugh, Doug Waugh, Jim Walker, Andrew Rector, and Jim Downing.

Arrangements were entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover, NB.