Joan Gloria Downes

1942-2017

Joan Gloria Downes, 74, was called to her Eternal Rest on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Maplecrest Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by loving family and the gentle compassionate care of the center's staff.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 8, 1942 the daughter of Frank and Frances Poreber. Joan was third among eight siblings, predeceased by her beloved older brother, Richard, in 1966.

She grew up in Brooklyn, New York attending Bushwick High School

Joan married James Downes on September 29, 1960 and moved to Ridgewood, New York. She bore and raised five daughters, Tammy Hewey, Donna Spaulding, Kelly Downes and Sandra Handley. Her heart was broken when daughter Cathy died suddenly on September 2, 2006.

While raising her large family, Joan enjoyed a career in data entry on Wall Street and as accounts supervisor in New York City and later in Boca Raton, Florida.

Her special joys throughout her life were her passion for bingo followed closely by her love of TV, music and professional wrestling.

Joan had a lovely singing voice, like her idol, Connie Francis, who she happily got to meet in New York City at Carnegie Hall.

She enjoyed starring in grammar school stage productions and will always be remembered for her particularly energetic rendition of “ Aba Daba Honeymoon” made famous by another of her favorites, Debbie Reynolds. And could Joan dance! She was light as a feather on her feet and was everyone's favorite dance partner.

She and her sister Dotty, often teamed up with their beautiful duet of “You'll Never Walk Alone” and managed a few bars together the night before she left us for her Heavenly Home.

Madison, Maine beckoned in 1999, so she joyfully relocated to be near her daughters and grandchildren.

Joan's home was wide open to family and friends. The coffee pot and tea kettle always at the ready, and the music never stopped. Her legacy of open arms, open house and music lives on today in each of her “girls”.

Joan is survived by four daughters, ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two step grandchildren and one step great grandchild. Five sisters, Dorothy, Gloria, Diane, Carol, Judy and one brother, William as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and their children.

She was predeceased by her mother, Frances on Columbus Day, October 10, 1992.

It is comforting and fitting, Joan is laid to rest in eternal peace in the midst of Maine's stunningly beautiful Fall season, ablaze with her life long favorite colors of autumn orange, burnt sienna, gold, mustard, yellow, green and brown, representing her very own personal rainbow.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 10:00 AM in St. Sebastian Catholic Church 161 Main St. Madison. Followed immediately by the internment in St. Sebastian Cemetery on Fr. Rasle Road in Madison.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Madison. To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.