Patricia A. Downes
Date of Passing:
Downes, Patricia A. (Carragher) 82, of Rogers Avenue, Riverside, RI died peacefully on June 28, 2024 surrounded by her loving children.
Born in Newark, N.J, the daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth (McArtney) Carragher, she was raised in Newark and Kenilworth, NJ, graduating from Jonathan Dayton High School in 1960. She lived in Riverside for the past two years, previously residing in Reston, VA and Condon, MT.
Ms. Downes worked in Human Resources for IBM and Lockheed Martin in the Washington, D.C. area for over 30 years before retiring in 2009.
Patricia enjoyed arts & crafts, gardening, Chinese food, the beach, animals, and spending time with her loving family and circle of friends. She was beloved for her sense of humor and kind heart.
She was predeceased by her partner, Jim Thurston.
She is survived by her loving family: her daughter, Kelly A. Downes of Dedham, MA (partner Lenny DiPietro); her son, William E. Downes of Riverside (partner Heather Trexler); her five grandchildren, Billy Downes, Anna Downes, Casey Tocci, Jack Tocci, and Kathleen Tocci; and her brother, Edward Carragher (wife Julia Valles) of Brick, N.J.
Calling hours are Monday, July 8, 2024 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 6-8 P.M. A private burial will be held in Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth, NJ at a later date.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday July 9, 2024 in St. Luke Church, 108 Washington Road, Barrington at 10 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Patricia’s name to either the ASPCA or the American Heart Association.
Kelly, Bill and family – I loved your mom, she was my bestie and I miss her dearly. So many fond memories that I will cherish forever. She loved you both and so very proud of you and her grandchildren. My heart and prayers are with you always.
Pam, Tom & Megan
I moved right next door to Pat in November ‘23 and from the moment I met her, I knew I was blessed to have such a kind, sweet neighbor. We didn’t see eachother very much, but I would pop over or leave a treat at her back door every once in a while. I had been away in PA visiting my mother who had fallen and broken her hip. When I returned recently, I was quite depressed. I really wanted to visit Pat and give her one of my birdhouses because I knew she loved them so much, but I kept putting it off. I just thought she’d be there when I felt “up” to visiting her. I thought about her every day, but didn’t go over to see her. When I found out she had died, I was devastated. I can’t believe I ignored all those feelings and gentle nudges to just go over and have a cup of tea. I am sorry that I missed the opportunity to get to know someone who was so very special and so loved. I will do better from now on because of Pat 💔🙏💔
Pat was the joy of Roundleaf Court as a loving village, we raised our little ones together
Thanks for her loving spirit.
Dear Bill, our deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. I very recently lost my father and we may not make it in person, but are sending best wishes for strength.💕
My heart is there with you all. Pat was a very special person and a very dear friend. I will miss her terribly.
Oh the fun times we had . High School Teen Club and the Reunions. I will miss her funny lines. Rest in Peace my friend!
Our sincere condolences to the entire Downes family, especially our grandchildren Billy and Anna. She was an important part of their lives and we know they miss her terribly. We are grateful she was able to move to Riverside and be close to them in recent years. We pray for Pat’s peaceful repose and for strength for all the family as they grieve her passing.
To my brother Billy and the entire Downes family Heaven just got that much better. Momma Downes treated me as 1 of her own and that was SO SPECIAL. As a young black kid in the 70s I never experienced that unconditional love from a friends family.. THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
To Kelly and Billy and family, my love and prayers as you grieve our sweet little Patricia. I have so many wonderful memories: walking to the school bus, Friday night Teen Club where we danced our feet off, walking home in the rain, oh how we laughed, driving down the shore, and then when her beautiful children arrived! Many years later watching her and Jimmy holding hands at one of the Class Reunions. It was a joy, it was a wonderful life. May she rest in Heaven’s Peace. And may all of you be comforted by glorious memories of her smile! 🙏
Rest in Peace Patricia, condolences to all your family
My sincerest condolences to Kelly and Billy and their family. We were pals at work in McLean and has so much fun in the office. We both has a great sense of humor and just got along so well. Sorry I lost contact although I did see a few of her nutty shenanigans on FB.
To the Entire Downes Family,
You have my deepest condolences regarding the death of Patricia Downes. I am confident she will be missed. May she be remembered by the Almighty in the Resurrection to come. (Acts 24:15)
Johnnie Johnson
HHS Class of 1985