Hilda Elaine Downs ... ran Hilda's Hideaway craft shop

Hilda Elaine Joy Downs was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and wife during her 85 years of life. She died peacefully on February 8, 2022.

Born in Rochester, on September 28, 1936, Hilda was raised in Union. After graduating as Salutatorian at Nute High School in 1954, she attended Plymouth College for one year. In May of 1955, she married Fred Downs, together they built their home and raised three children.

Hilda worked at Judson Dunaway, Davidson Rubber, Mountain View Nursing Home, and Thompson Center Arms retiring from there in 1995 to open her craft shop Hilda's Hideaway with Fred. Their crafts were designed together, with intricate details cut by Fred, and Hilda would paint each feature with delicate precision.

She was an active and dedicated member of the Union Congregational Church, a past member of Wakefield Market Place, and a Golden Sheaf member of ReUnion Grange.

Hilda loved family get togethers, traveling and camping including several trips across country, knitting, and spending time in her flower gardens.

She will be fondly remembered for her kindness, her love of God and her family, her hugs, and the wonderful memories she gave us; she was the best.

Hilda was predeceased by her parents, Mason and Mildred (Berry) Joy; her husband of 52 years, Fred W. Downs; her two sons, James M. Downs and Jeffrey M. Downs; and her brother, Richard I. Joy, Sr. She is survived be her daughter, Jennifer M. (Downs) Hayward and her husband, Donald Hayward; daughter-in-law, Janette Downs; step-children, Sara (Downs) Benner and her husband, Richard Benner; and Nancy (Downs) Winton; grandchildren, Melissa (Downs) Mabey and her husband, Chad; Jonathan Hayward and his wife, Jennifer; Jacob Hayward and his wife, Meaghan; Matthew Downs and his wife, Courtney; and Joshua Downs; step-grandchildren Christine, Amy, Daniel, Karen, and Katie and 11 great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.