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DEBORAH JEAN "DEBBIE" DOWNS

DEBORAH DOWNS Obituary

DOWNS, Deborah "Debbie" Jean Age 55, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully, on June 21, 2025, surrounded by an enormous amount of love. She was born on September 15, 1969, in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, to the late Frederick Downs, III and Beverly McLauchlan Downs. Debbie lived with fierce compassion, boundless generosity, and a heart that loved deeply and loyally. When she loved you, you knew it. She expressed gratitude often and emphatically, never letting a kind gesture go unacknowledged. Her warmth, radiant smile, and sincerity left a lasting mark. She was a passionate defender of justice, standing up boldly for what she believed was right, always with courage and conviction. Music was one of her great joys. Debbie especially loved Bon Jovi, Michael Bolton, Keith Urban, Lady A, and Old Dominion, and traveled the country to see them perform. She was also a devoted fan of Boston sports and followed NCAA March Madness religiously, never missing a bracket. Debbie gave generously of her time, volunteering for causes close to her heart: The Jimmy Fund (especially the Scooper Bowl), The Special Olympics, the Red Sox Foundation, and the Boston Marathon. She was deeply grateful to the Natick Fire and Police Departments, for their many years of care and support. For over 20 years, Debbie was a proud and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous. She made countless friends through the program and helped many by sharing her story with honesty and heart. Martha's Vineyard was Debbie's happy place: a cherished family tradition and lifelong sanctuary that brought her peace, joy, and connection. Above all, Debbie adored her beloved bulldog, Brewer, her constant and loyal companion. She is survived by her sister, Kimberly Gawlak; brother, Kevin Downs; and her cherished niece and nephews, Emily Gawlak, Charlie Gawlak, and Kayden Downs. Debbie will be remembered for her fierce loyalty, her laughter, her love of music and justice, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself. A private Service will be held for Debbie on Martha's Vineyard. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to any of the causes she so passionately supported.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 28 to Jun. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for DEBORAH DOWNS

11 Entries

Martha curto

July 4, 2025

Debbie made me this album of memories when I graduated high school. We had some great times!!

Sarah

June 30, 2025

Debbie was a good friend to all she loved. She always put others first. "On a Wednesday in a café I watched it begin again". Rest well Debbie.

Edgar Fagerheim

June 30, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Christopher Sallah

June 28, 2025

Heartbreaking news. She tried to be so upbeat all the time. She was always trying to do for others. She will be missed.

Christine Fallon

June 28, 2025

I'm so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. She could light up a room with her smile. She always had a warm welcome. I hope she can rock out to Bon Jovi in heaven.

Amato Sanita

June 28, 2025

We lost a wonderful and compassionate human being. May she rest in peace as we remember her. Thank you Debbie for our wonderful friendship

Martha Lomascolo Curto

June 28, 2025

I have been friends with Debbie since high school. She was A true best friend! Debbie made me a photo album when I graduated with a lot of our memories. These are some pictures from it. Debbie was always there for me. We had our big nights out at "Pizza Hut" with our other two good friends Bonnie and Cindy! Us four always together. Ice tea with sweet and low and a salad bar!! Big night out! Debbie had the kindest caring beautiful soul you could ever meet! Always thinking of others! She will never be forgotten by ME or anyone she ever met!! Love you Debbie!

Jon Heitmann

June 28, 2025

Rest in Peace Debbie. Thank you for reconnecting with me when I really needed someone to talk to. I enjoyed our conversations, reminiscing about our days at Albany, and sharing laughs abd tears with one another. I hope you have found your comfort and peace. I will always hold your memory close to my heart.

Polly Tyrrell

June 28, 2025

I was at a concert a few years ago, I noticed this joyful, smiling young lady behind me, having a blast, getting into the music. I just had to say hi to her before I left. Turns out, she grew up right down the road from where I live now! So with that connection, we stayed in touch. She would stop at my house with a bag full of wonderful gifts ("a Boston bag!") for me and for my disabled son. She called me up one day, and realizing I was going through some rough stuff, she ordered a huge takeout meal from a really nice restaurant in my town for me and my son Kevin.. She was such a loving, giving person.

Vickie Jones

June 28, 2025

I met Debbie years ago at group therapy. We became fast friends and helped each other with our struggles. She was such a loving and caring person. I will miss her so much.

Deb Peskin

June 28, 2025

My deepest condolences to Debbie´s family, we were neighbors freshman year at SUNYA, she always had a huge smile and a kind word for everyone. A beautiful woman with a huge heart.

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