GREAT MILLS, MD — Jane Clarke Downer, 66, a financial analyst for the Department of the Navy, died of lung cancer on August 18, 2008, at her home in Great Mills, MD.
Born January 10, 1942, in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Richard Clarke Shaw and Elizabeth (Robbins) Shaw. She graduated from New Bedford High School in 1959. In 1980, she went to work supporting the Department of the Navy in its foreign Military Sales Program. In 1991, she became a civilian employee of the Department of the Navy. Her last assignment was the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters, as Deputy for policy, training and financial management in the International Programs Department.
In 1994, Mrs. Downer earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in management, with high honors, from National Louise University. She cared deeply for her children and 10 grandchildren. She had a life long love for cats.
Her survivors include her husband, Stephen H. Downer, of Fredericksburg, VA; three children, Susan L. Griggs of Marlton, NJ, S. Page Downer of Fredericksburg, VA, and Amy E. Hall of San Diego, CA; and nine grandchildren.
Mrs. Downer was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael E. Bair, who passed away in 2003.
A memorial service will take place Sept. 20th at 11 A.M., in Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown, Pa. A graveside service will be scheduled for her family in Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford at their convenience.
Remembrances may be made to any no-kill animal shelter such as Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, Utah 84741, your local Hospice, or local volunteer rescue squad.