Beverly A. Downing

SPENCER; It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly Ann (Rochette)
(Melanson) Downing, 83, of Spencer on October 4th. After a brief period of declining
health, she left this world, and is in eternal peace.
Beverly was born in Worcester, Ma on February 11th, 1940, the youngest of eight
children born to Clarence Henry and Alma Beatrice (Cardinal) Rochette.
She was preceded in death by Alexander Downing, Raymond Leroy Melanson, the
father of her four sons, and her eldest son Michael Edward Melanson. Five brothers,
Ernest Rochette, Robert Rochette, Donald Rochette, Richard Rochette, and Kenneth
Rochette, and one sister, Beatrice Lareau.
She is survived by three sons, Peter John, Steven Charles, and Jeffrey David. Ginger
Seifert Pratt (Jeffrey's wife). One sister, Phyllis Belmore of North Brookfield, her dear
companion with whom she loved. Robert Parker Phillips, her live-in partner. Seven
grandchildren, Kara, David, Jackilyn, Amber, Ashley, Lindsey, and Alyssa; and nine
great-grandchildren, Alexander, Natalie, Genevieve, Mila, Caine, Alayna, Ayden, Sophia,
and Cameron. Also, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
She was educated in Worcester and Northborough, graduating from Northborough
High School and Broms Academy of Hairdressing in Worcester. She worked as a
bookkeeper and hairdresser for several years.
Bev loved to travel and vacation, especially to the beach, organizing many family
vacations to destinations including Hampton Beach, Ocean City Maryland, and
Martha's Vineyard.
In addition, she loved being a homemaker, decorating the house to perfection for each
season and holiday, as well as creating themed rooms throughout the house. Her
cooking was just as exquisite, and she was always ready to feed any cuisine to any
number of friends her boys brought home. Thanksgiving was always a feast in her
home. She also loved yard sales and there was never one she didn't pull over for.
Bev's biggest satisfaction was traveling with and watching Big Al Downing perform.
She loved being part of the action wherever he played including the Spencer Country
Fair and Indian Ranch on Webster Lake.
Bev was a true friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. A sweet and caring
woman who loved her family above all else. She was a woman of dignity and grace, a
true American lady who will be dearly missed.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, October 10 from 4-6 P.M. with a Service to conclude
at 6 P.M. in the J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer.
Burial will take place in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer, at a later date
and at the convenience of the family.