Beverly A. Downie

Beverly A. Downie (Bunny), 88, of South Hadley, MA, passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center on December 17, 2024. Born on September 13, 1936, in Holyoke, MA, she was one of four daughters to the late William A. and Jeanette (Drew) Green. Beverly graduated from South Hadley High School, where she was a majorette with the South Hadley Band. She worked as a clerk typist for Adelson Brothers Jewelers and was an officer in the Rainbow Girls Organization. In October 1955, Beverly married Airman Robert Downie of the US Navy. This year, they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. 

Beverly was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A longtime resident of South Hadley, she lovingly cared for her 10½-room Victorian home, wallpapering, making curtains, and tending to her beautiful flower gardens each spring—her favorite season. Beverly was a gifted gardener and a passionate Red Sox fan.

Beverly was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert (12/2023), her sister Marilyn Simpson, and her cherished granddaughter, Alexis Downie. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

 She will be deeply missed by her three devoted children: daughter Susan Denis (husband Michael), son Scott Downie (wife Janice), and son Shaun Downie. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Kate Morrissey (husband Paul) and Sarah Denis (partner AJ), as well as her six great-grandchildren: Conner, Caleb, Mickey, Jhett, Arya, and Luca. Beverly is also survived by her sisters, June Monroe and Janet Kidd, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to gather at O’Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley, for a visitation in honor of Beverly and Robert Downie on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00. Beverly and Robert’s funeral service will take place at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in South Hadley.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses on the 6th floor at Baystate Springfield and the hospice team for their dedication and compassionate care of our mother.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breezy Acres Farm (Evelyn Hatch), 25 Pleasant St., Granby, MA 01033.