Doris M. (Murphy) Downing, 89

NORTHFIELD — Doris M. Downing, 89, a longtime resident of Cofran Avenue in Northfield, died Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at the Mountain Ridge-Genesis Elder Care in Franklin following a period of failing health. She previously resided at the Golden Crest Community in Franklin.

Doris was born in Reading, Massachusetts on April 15, 1914, daughter of Harry and Jennie (Eldridge) Murphy. She spent her youth and schooled there.

Doris lived in Tilton for six years, later moving to Northfield in 1951. She worked for many years as a bookeeper with Iona Savings Bank in Tilton and later retired from the Department of Resources and Development, State of New Hampshire, following 14 years of employment in the payroll department. Doris volunteered for many years at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton.

Doris loved her flower gardens and enjoyed traveling to the ocean with her husband. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post # 1698 in Franklin. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Albert W. Downing, who died August 29, 1991; and by a brother, Henry Murphy of Reading, who died in 1995. Doris is survived by numerous nieces and nephews including William E. Sears of Gilford and Sara A. Hanson of Laconia;

and a sister in law, Elizabeth Krever of Toronto, Canada.

A calling hour will be held Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home, Franklin-Tilton Road in Tilton with services following at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Home.

Spring burial will be in Franklin Cemetery in Franklin.

The William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home of Tilton is assisting her family with arrangements.

Expressions of Sympathy may be made to either the "Resident Fund", New Hampshire Veterans Home, Winter St., Tilton, NH 03276 or to the NH Humane Society, P. O. Box 572. Laconia, NH 03247-0572.