Shirley M. Downes

December 8, 1943 - December 3, 2018

Groton: Shirley M. (Lareau) Downes, 74, of Groton, died unexpectedly Monday, December 3, 2018 at Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Ayer. Mrs. Downes was born in Leominster, December 8, 1943, the daughter of Peter C. and Irene J. (Lareau) Lareau and has resided in Groton for fifty seven years. She grew up in Ashby and was a graduate of Ashby High School. She enjoyed reading, visiting the ocean and spending time with her granddaughter, Samantha. Mrs. Downes leaves her husband of fifty seven years, James G. Downes Jr.; two sons, James G. Downes III and his companion, Lucia Ford, Brian Downes all of Groton; her brother, Peter Lareau of Ashby and her granddaughter, Samantha Downes of Groton. She attended St. Anthony’s Church in Shirley. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 Am Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. John’s Church, 1 School Street, Townsend. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours are 4-7 Thursday, December 6th at the Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street (Rte 119) Townsend Center. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information or to leave an on line condolence. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charites, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.