Barbara Downes

For Barbara, who's house we loved to play at, no matter how much Robert and Mitch teased us. She was the mother who let us kids read comic books and watch horror movies on TV, make messes playing, and even let Betty and Robert have gerbils and hamsters (all forbidden at our own house). She was always friendly and easy to be with. It is hard to believe it was over 40 years ago. Thank you, Barbara. Then later, the beautiful fish pond in the back yard, the cats, the plants, and Barbara showing...

Some of my earliest memories are of sitting down with Barbara over at her house and playing with a paper-cut out display she had. Her patience with my incessant questions and her easy laugh always made hanging out out Barbara's fun and enjoyable. As I grew older, I marveled at all the fascinating projects she was involved in and the creativity she displayed in all of her landscaping. She was a wonderful woman, full of joyous laughter and I am glad have had the chance to have known her....

Barbara as our across the street neighbor will be remembered by many in Barton Hills. She was true to her character and always active taking care of her yard and plants. We will miss her. James Ochoa

Barbara was my mother's best friend. Having her in our lives as we grew up was a terrific comfort and a joy. The loss of her fabulous spirit is heartbreaking.
I remember the road trips with all of us kids in the back of Barbara's station wagon, and Mom and Barbara up front leading us in loud songs and political discussion.
Knowing Barbara was such fun and so interesting, too.
What a loss.

I will miss my childhood friend and will remember with fondness our fun times together here in Connecticut. What a joy to connect to each other after so many years. It was all too short. My thoughts and prayers go out to Betty and Robert also Barbara's sister and brothers.
Marlene Estabrooke

Words cannot express. Mitch

Barbara most certainly lived up to the Phoenix and I miss my "Tuezzleday and Thurzleday" visits with her and Tankie, as she always cheerfully called them.