This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Barbara Jennings Downie

Barbara Jennings Downie, 95, of Old Saybrook, passed away peacefully in her home on June 23, 2024. Born June 15, 1929, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Perry Lewis Jennings and Mary (Hart) Jennings. Barbara grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Jaffery, New Hampshire, and graduated from Conant High School in Jaffery, New Hampshire. She went on to attend college in Boston, where she met her husband-to-be, the late John M. Downie Jr. They married in August of 1951 and spent 37 years together creating a home and raising their children together, until his passing in 1983.

Barbara was active in her church and volunteered at the Acton Public Library and Middlesex Hospital Thrift Shop. Above all else, Barbara found her joy in being a wife, mother, and homemaker to those she held closest in her heart, her children and family.

Barbara is predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is also predeceased by her sisters, Elle Warr, Thelma Sampieri, and Patricia Gordon, as well as her daughter, Heather Desilio; granddaughter, Morgan Desilio; and daughter-in-law, Donna Downie.

Barbara will be greatly missed by her children, John Downie III of Old Saybrook, Peter Downie (Janet) of Deep River, Jamie Downie Sr. (Cindy), of Old Saybrook. Barbara will be remembered by her beloved grandchildren, Mike Throener, Kelly Davis, Lauren Nichols, Kaitlyn Roig, Lindsey Santos and Jamie Downie Jr.; as well as her 11 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be private at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s family asks that donations be made in her name to the Old Saybrook Fire Department and Old Saybrook Ambulance Association.