Betsy Downer

STERLING - Betsy Frances Downer passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025 after a long battle with dementia. She was the daughter of Bradley Lunsford and Alice (Watts) Lunsford Sturgill of Norton Virginia. She was born in Norton, and spent her childhood in Norton and Rose Hill. She moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in her late teens where she met the love of her life, and husband of 59 years, Alden Downer. The two were married in Oakdale/West Boylston, Massachusetts in 1958 where they lived and raised their 3 children.

Her marriage to Alden was long and happy until his death in 2017. They were each other's best friends and companions with great appreciation for the small joys of life, especially their family. Her true pride and joy came from her children and grandchildren whom she raised and cared for with great love.  She had special connections with each of them, instilling her love of nature, art, music, books, and her strong sense that every person has a story and has great value in the world. She was warm and generously kindhearted to all who knew her, and despite her quiet nature, she loved to serve and care for others, and had many friends. She had a keen skill for listening and intuitively understanding other people's hearts and points of view, and was regarded by many as source of wisdom, unconditional acceptance, and loving support. She was a rare combination of humility and generosity which will be sorely missed.

The family would like to offer their profound thanks to the wonderful staff of Sterling Village for their tender care of Betsy over the last three and a half years.

Betsy is predeceased by her husband Alden, and all five of her siblings: Edith Lunsford, Bradley Lunsford, Ruth (Lunsford) Ross, Georgia (Lunsford) Farmer, and Jimmy Lunsford. 

She is survived by her children: Carolyn Downer, George Downer and his wife Maureen (O'Brien) Downer, Robin (Downer) Connell and her husband Byron Connell; her grandchildren: Erin Downer, Claire Connell, Shannon Downer, Chase Connell and his wife Nicole (English) Connell; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Betsy, with reception to follow, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Oakdale United Methodist Church, 15 North Main Street, West Boylston, MA.

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be donated to Oakdale United Methodist Church, 15 North Main Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 or PBS and GBH Public Media at GBH.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Miles Funeral Home in Holden. www.milesfuneralhome.com