Alice M. Downing

Alice M. Downing, 97, formerly of Thornton, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at the Goldenview Health Care Center, of Meredith, after a lengthy illness.Born on June 14, 1912, the daughter of Albert D. and Edith (Downing) Merrill, she was a lifelong resident of Thornton.Alice loved spending time with her family, friends, and her many grandchildren. Alice enjoyed cooking for people, solving puzzles and reading her bible.She is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Chester E. Downing, formerly of Thornton; two children, Eugene C. Downing, formerly of Titusville, FL, in 2004, and Muriel A. Prescott, formerly of Laconia, in 1999; four brothers, Fred Merrill, in 1982, Smith Merrill, in 1995, Frank Merrill, in 1979, and Albert Merrill, in 1995; four sisters, Mary Levasseur, in 1935, Alberta Roberts, in 1980, Nellie Adams, in 2003, and Edith Merrill, in 1924; three grandchildren, Brian Goodwin, Christopher Downing, and Edward Downing.Alice is survived by five sons, Edward E. Downing, of Thornton, Chester A. Downing and wife Nancy, of Plymouth, Raymond Downing and wife Celia, of San Antonio, TX, Guy R. Downing and wife Sally, of Dover-Foxcroft, ME, and John S. Downing and wife Anita, of Campton; two daughters, Lorita A. Goodwin, of Ashland, and Beverly A. Hall and husband Kenneth, of Alexandria; a sister, Rachael E. Frye, of Concord; sister-in-law, Ruth Merrill, of Stamford, CT; fifty-five grandchildren; over one-hundred great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.Memorials:Donations may be made in Alice's name to the Thornton United Methodist Church, Thornton, NH.Visitation:Calling Hours will be held at the Mayhew Funeral Home, 12 Langdon St., Plymouth, NH on Friday, November 20, 2009, from 6 thru 8 pm.Service:A Funeral Service will be held at the Thornton United Methodist Church, Rte. 175, Thornton, on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 11:00 am, the Rev. Richard Hanson, pastor, will officiate.Cemetery:Interment will follow the service at the Pine Grove Cemetery, in Thornton.