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Doris Downes Obituary
89, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on December 13, 2013. She was the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Raley of St. Mary's, Maryland and was a devoted mother and grandmother. She worked as a fashion designer, was an avid gardener and a prolific writer in her recollections of growing up on her family farm in St. Mary's during the Great Depression. Her husband, Fielder Bradford Downes, an Artist and World War II veteran, predeceased her as did her eldest daughter, Donna Elaine. She is survived by three daughters and three sons, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. A private memorial service will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Memories and Condolences
for Doris Downes
Margee M Eife
December 21, 2022
Mrs. Downes was a beautiful person inside and out ! She is sorely missed !!
Margee
December 22, 2021
Missing Mrs. Downes - a beautiful, lovely woman like her namesake daughter Doris!
January 24, 2014
Dear Doris, Sue, and Downes family,
My condolences on the death of your mom. Our dear friend, Lynnette, shared the sad news of her passing. While I never met your mom, I know she was an amazing woman with a zest for life. My prayers are for your peace and comfort. Your friend, Susan Strickland Thompson
Lynnette Prout
January 23, 2014
Dear Doris and family,
I was so sad when your Mother passed away and sorry for your loss. She was a lady whose elegance and sophistication uniquely complemented her Southern charm. I loved her accent, her humor, her taste in clothes, hats, shoes, and sunglasses; and I valued her friendship. As you know she was quite the fashion statement, always dressed to the nines with manicured nails and hair done. She loved going out to lunch, to Scottsdale Botanical Gardens, and to the Date Shake shop.
I remember as a teenager when I would go to your house in southern Maryland. Your mom was a gracious hostess to me then. Much later in her life, she brought that same hospitality to Arizona and welcomed me into her home here. Her love for her family was evident in the photographs she kept, the stories she enjoyed telling, and the walls displaying her husband's paintings.
Your Mother was blessed with a long life and she left her family and friends with happy memories. I pray that God will grant you peace and comfort as your mourn her passing away.
Seiji
January 20, 2014
I just hear of the passing of Mrs. Downes. We have missed our neighbor over the past year or more and I am sad to hear that she is no longer with us. May her spirit be at peace.
January 16, 2014
Dear Doris (the namesake of your mom) and to your sons and your family,
When I read the obituary in Southern Maryland it did two things to me. First, it made me recall the times we studied together in grade school and middle school at your house. I was in awe of your mom who was an anomaly. She was always so fashionable, dressing herself and children in the finest fashion! It is apparent that she was a very strong influence in the family ; the talent runs deep! Second, we have reconnected and I am grateful for that.
I pray that her passing leaves all of you with the best memories for as long as you live. Doris, be proud of what you did for mom because that is what we are here to do, taking care of one another (and don't forget to take care of yourself now!). Remember mom and know that mom is in a better place.
Your old classmate and friend, Conni
(Bates) Crawford
January 8, 2014
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Doris. She was such a lovely lady and brightened our days with her smile and her always cheery outlook on life. Her 'southern hospitality' added so much to our times we spent together here in Scottsdale. We send prayers to her family and may the memories of her live on. God Bless. - Rita and Connie Lynn
Sue Downes
January 6, 2014
Mother was one smart woman with many talents. As if raising seven children was not enough, at the end the day she would retreat to her sanctuary, the sewing room, and churn out beautifully sewn designer clothes to rival any high end atelier (think Marni). She would look high and low for the right button to coordinate with the latest ‘hot' fabric and customize patterns to satisfy our individual tastes without a complaint. It was just last summer in scorching 105 weather that she insisted on visiting her favorite Scottsdale haunts; unstoppable with cane in hand, and keen eye, she guided me to the choicest turquoise jewelry at Gilbert & Ortega, followed by gallery hopping in Scottsdale's art district, and finally a relaxing meal at her much frequented and cherished ice cream parlor, the Sugar Bowl. Mom, you were a force to be reckoned with; your quick wit, no nonsense motherly advice, and southern charm will be greatly missed. You lived life on your own terms and I can only imagine the fantastic reunion you are having now with your husband, my beloved father, Fielder Downes and your eldest daughter, my dear sister, Donna. xoxo to you mommy
Denise McGinnity
January 3, 2014
Dear Doris and Boys,
I met your Mom/Grandmother only once and the love that exuded from her set all things right in the world. She loved you, Doris and she loved you, Boys, and for the brief moment she met me, she loved me too. That was the kind of person I know she was. I know that her love will live on through you, your gestures and approach people. I feel blessed to be a part of her legacy through you and aspire to have the humility and strength I know she so naturally and eloquently possessed. May God Bless Her and Her Beautiful Family.
Love Always,
Kerry Flynn Smolek
January 1, 2014
Dear Doris and family, I am so very sorry for your loss--it is a great one. My memories of your mom are from long ago, and I remember her as being so sweet, friendly and stylish! She always welcomed me with a smile in your childhood home. Happy to have had the opportunity to know her, and blessed are the heavens to now have her. Cherish the memories and she will always be with you.
Raley Family - Doris (second from left)
December 31, 2013
December 31, 2013
I never met Doris Anne Downes but I know her beautiful daughter, so I can only imagine what a captivating and eloquent woman she was. Upon seeing her photo and visiting this page her picture is both ethereal and elegant. Remember friends, don't ask how Doris Anne Downes died, but ask "how did she live?" I want to know more about Doris from her namesake daughter, and I say God speed until we are all together again. Until then, I toast you lovely lady on New Years Eve. - Lois Cahall
Doris on the Beach, 1942
December 31, 2013
December 30, 2013
For the short time I know you, I felt like I knew you for all of my life. Losing you is like losing a part of me. Thank you for letting me talk and sing to you on the phone. I will always remember. Your friend , Cesar
Birthday
December 30, 2013
Fielder Jewett
December 30, 2013
She was the kindest, most thoughtful grandma one could ever hope for. We love you and will miss you immensely, Grandma from Arizona!
Mother Birthday
December 30, 2013
Proud Grandmother
December 30, 2013
Margee Eife
December 30, 2013
What a wonderful. beautiful woman and Mother! What a loss, I am so sad and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Last January in Scottsdale
Garrett Jewett
December 30, 2013
She was an inspiring example of someone who loved life and was kind to everyone. We will miss her every day!
Mary
December 29, 2013
We will miss this gracious and inspiring lady who showed us all how to be an example. Thank you Doris. Your friends at E. Glenrosa . - Mary, Gregory and Joseph
Margaux Elaine Zaus
December 29, 2013
My amazing grandma is going to be an angel. I'm going to miss her so much.
Kathi Downes
December 29, 2013
My condolence. She was a beautiful, thoughtful and caring woman. She will be missed.
Kathi
Doris Daughter
December 29, 2013
Thank you to all of my friends who have been so supportive during this difficult time and in showing how much my mother was loved. She left so much beauty behind. Blessings to all.
December 29, 2013
Mother, I will always miss the beauty and kindness you shared with everyone you touched. Especially me.
Your son David
Doris Downes Graduation
Doris Downes
December 27, 2013
Carol Daley
December 27, 2013
Blessings to the Downes family for the loss of their mother, Doris. She was a lovely and gracious woman. Full of love for others.
December 27, 2013
Dear Family; Please accept my condolence. Keep close to your heart loving memories and cherished moments. May the Hearer of prayer comfort you. Psalms 65:2
Trisha Phoenix,AZ
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