Joan M. Downey

Ms. Joan M. Downey, of Winthrop, formerly of Charlestown and Medford, died Monday, May 29, 2023 in Belmont Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was 85.

Joan was born January 31, 1938 in Somerville a daughter of the late James A. and Catherine (McGowan) Downey. Raised in Medford she graduated Saint Clement High School in Somerville Joan lived in Charlestown and Medford before making Winthrop her home for over fifty years.

She worked as an administrative assistant for many years at New England Telephone Co., now Verizon before retiring.

Joan was an avid shopper and successfully found many bargains at Filene’s Basement. She attended daily Mass at St. Anthony Shrine on Arch Street in Boston and enjoyed exploring many Boston area restaurants. Time spent with friends going to Phantom Gourmet breakfast locations or to Panera to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversations filled her days. Joan faithfully followed all the Boston sports teams, watched the Food Network and shared many recipes. Joan enjoyed living by the water with her daily views, taking trips to Cape and traveling in general, enjoying a few hours at the slot machines and above all else spending time with family and friends and attending annual family reunions. 

Predeceased in death by her brother and sister-in-law, James M. and Karol Downey she leaves her nephews and niece, J. Michael Downey and his partner, Glenn Sinclair of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lee-Anne Downey of Ashland and J. Downey and his wife, Kate of Waltham; her great-niece, Kelly Downey

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mass Eye & Ear, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114 or https://www.masseyeandear.org/