Melda T Downes

Portland- On April 25, 2018, Melda T. Downes, 88, of Portland, Maine, died peacefully after an 8 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on March 14, 1930 in Connor Township, Maine to Thomas and Ida Beaulieu, Melda was the second eldest of what would become a family of 14. From a very young age, Melda was very active in the raising of her younger siblings. At the age of 13 her life changed dramatically when Melda and her family moved to Portland. She had a strong work ethic and got her first job a year later in the kitchen of Maine Medical Center where despite her small stature, she was known for keeping her fellow workers on task. Melda was never without a job and often used her money to make sure that her younger siblings had what they needed. She attended Portland High School, graduating in 1949 and would eventually join Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance where she worked as a Bookkeeper for 19 years. She eventually moved on to Fox and Gin Moving and Storage retiring in 1980. Not understanding the concept of retiring, Melda's last job was caring for the Priests of St Patrick's Rectory for 10 years until the age of 78. Melda married the love of her life, William Downes, on November 10, 1956. Melda and Bill were not blessed with children, but they became a devoted Aunt and Uncle to their 34 nieces and nephews and eventually their grand nieces and nephews. Melda was the trusted and beloved family babysitter. Her caring nature carried over to her love of animals. She was forever rescuing stray cats and finding them homes. Melda was also a great cook and was especially skilled at making pies. Bill claims that her Lemon Meringue Pie was something to fight over. Melda and Bill enjoyed many years of skiing, traveling, dinners with friends and family and trips to the beach. Melda's favorite place to be was in the sun. Melda was a communicant of St. Patrick's and finally St. Pius's X Church and deeply devoted to her faith. She was a loving, gentle and caring soul. With her hands holding your face, she would kiss you on both cheeks, look you in the eyes, and make you feel totally and unconditionally loved. Though her disease robbed her of much, she never lost her witty sense of humor nor her fierce pride and determination. Every doctor's visit would begin with the true claim that she had never been sick a day in her life and that she would be going home now, thank you very much. Melda has finally gone home, and we are very happy for her. Melda was predeceased by her parents, brothers, James and Eugene as infants, brother, Clarence Beaulieu, sisters, Patricia Lorraine, and Doris Ledue. She leaves behind William, her devoted husband of 61 years, and her 8 remaining siblings; Perley Beaulieu and his wife Margaret, Julie Madden, Shirley Smith, Joyce and her husband Bob Lussier, Janice and her husband Richard Boothby, Thomas Beaulieu, Jack Beaulieu and his wife Patricia, Catherine Bean, and brother-in-law Arthur Ledue, surviving husband of sister Doris. Visiting hours and a celebration of Melda's life will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 12:00pm at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland, ME. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Melda's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those who wish may make contributions in Melda's memory to: Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074