Rachel Downs, 91

LACONIA — Rachel (Isabelle) Downs, 91, of Ledges Drive, passed away on Jan. 13, 2026, at the Taylor Community in Laconia.

Rachel was born on April 20, 1934, in Keene, the daughter of the late Oscar Isabelle Sr. and Lucy (St. Jaques) Isabelle.

Rachel was a teacher at Holy Trinity for over 20 years and was also in the Frustration Hills Blues Band for over 10 years. She enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles and knitting. Rachel also loved spending time relaxing on the porch with family and friends as well as tending to her flower garden in her backyard.

Rachel is survived by her sons, James A. Downs and his wife Rebecca of Laconia, Charles L. Downs Jr. of Laconia, Jason C. Downs and his wife Janna of Plainfield, and Keith M. Downs and his wife Celina of Milton; daughters Darlene A. Breton and her husband Raymond of Gilmanton, and Amy L. Moore of Laconia; brothers Oscar Isabelle Jr. and his wife Deirdre of Florida, and William Isabelle; sister Louise Weeks of Concord; 21 grandchildren, Nathaniel, Nathan, Amanda, Jared, Robert, Shane, Michaela, Rachel, Audrey, Austin, Abbey, Michael, Brian, Hadassa, Isaac, Giada, Martinian, Jordan, Raegan, Dominic and Sydney; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Rachel is predeceased by her husband, Charles L. Downs Sr. in 2012; her son, Joseph A. Downs in 1984; and sisters Ellen Morin and Doris Hamel.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave.

Burial will be held in the spring at St. Lambert Cemetery, Province Street, Laconia.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.