LOIS IRENE (PHELAN) DOWNING, HOULTON – Lois Irene (Phelan) Downing, 94, of Houlton, died Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Ross Manor in Bangor, after a long illness with her family by her side. She was born July 19, 1923, in Calais, the daughter of Leo and Clara (Abbott) Phelan.
Lois graduated from Calais Academy with Honors in 1940 and following graduation she attended The Holy Rosary Commercial College in St. Stephen. She later moved to Meridan, CT, to work, and after her father’s death she returned to Calais to help with the family business. She married Dr. Milton Downing in 1946 and they settled in Lewiston where her husband originated his practice.
She was a devout Catholic at St. Joe’s in Lewiston, and upon relocating to Houlton with her husband and family she served under Father Belafontaine as the church secretary at St. Mary of the Visitation for many years. She later worked at the Pioneer Times and upon her retirement she continued to write Ricker Rumblings. She was known for her great humor and news write ups. Lois served on numerous committees as President of HC of Catholic Women and was a member of Purple Hat and TOPS. She enjoyed playing cards weekly with the Madigan Ladies Group. Lois’s sense of humor also contributed to her funny fashion shows and dedication to her church and community.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Milton Downing, brothers, Leo, Harold, Edward and Paul Phelan originally of Calais. She is survived by a sister Jean Cavanagh of Manchester, NH, a daughter Kathy Hall and partner Michael Dunbar of Brewer, two sons, Matthew Downing of Calais, Paul Downing and his wife Linda of Wakefield, MA, grandchildren, Rebecca Downing, Amanda Carney, Jeremy Rockwell, Victoria Murphy, Meredith and Patrick Downing, great-grandchildren, Silas Rockwell, Candence Forbes, Leander and Tristan Carney. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews including Bonnie, Laurie, Susanne and Penny who cared for their aunt during her convalescence. She will be sadly missed by her sister Jean who faithfully called her daily to have “Sisterly Chats”, Deacon Al, whom she treasured and loved and who showed his continued support over the years. She enjoyed the Ricker tenants who shared so many laughs with her.
A special thank you to Helen Folsom, who lovingly cared for Lois as her own mother, to Ross Manor, Beacon Hospice, and medical personnel.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Dunn Funeral Home. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, September 16 at St. Mary of the Visitation Church with Father Kent Ouellette celebrant. Interment will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Smyrna Street. The family invites relatives and friends to a reception at the Parish Center immediately following the burial. Those who wish to remember Lois in a special way may make gifts in her memory payable to St. Mary of the Visitation Church in c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St. Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com
