New Bedford-Elaine (Mello) Downs died May 13, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital.She was the mother of Joann M. Downs of New Bedford, Michael and his wifeErika of North Dartmouth, Jennifer M. Downs of New Bedford. She was the sisterof the late Joann Mello. She was the aunt of Mary(Mendoza) Souza of Fairhaven.
She was the daughter of the late William P. and Mary (Mendoza) Mello. SheGraduated from Holy Family High School, St. Luke's School of Nursing of Nursing,Boston College-Bachelor of Science Nursing, Boston University-Master of ScienceNursing. She had a 45 year career in the nursing profession which includedDirector of Nurses at St. Luke's Hospital, Country Gardens of Swansea, FrancisP. Memorial of New Bedford, Catholic Memorial of Fall River, and the formerHillhaven Corporation-New England Division. She was a staunch advocate forLong Term Care.
She was a Retired Air Force Lieutenant. After living in Fairbanks, Alaska:Fayetteville, North Carolinia: Atlanta. Georgia: she settled in New Bedford, MA.
Hobbies included Scrapbooking, the Boston Red Sox, and she loved Paris.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday May 18th, at 9 A.M. at Saint Johnthe Baptist Church on County Street. Visiting hours will be Monday May 17th, from6-9 P.M. In Lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Lung Association 1 Abbey Lane Middleboro, MA. 02346