Madeline Downing

ROCHESTER - Madeline V. Downing, 86, passed away peacefully in her daughter's home in Rochester, N.H., surrounded by her loving family after many years of battling kidney cancer. She was born in Chester, Pa., in 1923, to Joseph and Ann Kettela.Madeline was raised in Buffalo, N.Y., prior to meeting the love of her life, Judson H. Downing, while vacationing in Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. Madeline and her family were often passengers on Judson's family's speedboat, The Legionnaire 70, located at Downing's Landing. It was the world's fastest public speedboat at the time. They married a year later and resided in Alton Bay for 64 more years. Madeline will always be remembered for her beautiful oil paintings of the sea as well as her stunning watercolors of the mountains, children, and still life. She was so happy that Katherine Bailey wrote a book about her painting of Ricky Winchester when he was a small boy who lived at the Nubble Light House and used to cross from the Light House to the mainland in a box called a breeches buoy. Her painting of him crossing was illustrated in the children's book "Trouble at Nubble Light." Madeline was gifted in being able to combine her love of the sea with her artistic ability. The Downing Studio and Gallery was located at Nubble Light, York, Maine, for 30 years. Madeline received numerous awards and recognition for her expertise in painting, and many of her paintings are on display all over the world.Madeline never refused to participate in any fun and exciting experience. She loved to travel which included trips to Europe, South America, Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises, never missing opportunities to be with her family and friends. She also enjoyed deep sea fishing in the Florida Keys and won the "Catch of the Day" in Key West with her trophy sailfish. Each venture was a celebration of life and reflected its many blessings. Her sense of humor was endearing and infectious and she loved to laugh, finding humor at times in even the worst of situations.Madeline was an elegant and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always caring and generous with her beloved family who meant everything to her. She was a true matriarch in every sense with her love and devotion to her family, and will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her for her words, demeanor, and actions that spoke so well of the person she was.Madeline leaves her daughters, Judie H. Gustafson and her husband Robert, Jill H. Shannon and her husband, Christopher, and son, Jonathan H. Downing and his wife, Nancy; eight grandchildren, Lori Ouellette and her husband, Robert, Holly Stienstra and her husband, Ethan, Jill Marie Gustafson Hescock, Dane Shannon, Brent Shannon, Jennifer H. Downing, Jocelyn H. Downing, and Julie H. Monteiro and her husband, David; five great-grandchildren, Bailey and Isabella Ouellette, Elizabeth and Kaitlyn Hescock, and Luke Stienstra. Madeline was predeceased by her husband, Judson, in 2006 after 64 years of marriage.The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the care givers who took such exceptional care of Madeline. We are most grateful for the support and hope that was always extended to her and to us. There will always remain a special place in our hearts for her oncologist, Dr. Barbara Shea.A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in the chapel of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester with visitation to be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. prior to the service. A private grave side service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NH Make A Wish Foundation, 814 Elm St., Manchester NH 03101-2230 or the Shriner's Children Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston Mass., 02114.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits