Ellsworth - Stephen E. Downey, 65, passed away peacefully at his home, Nov. 2, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 4, 1946 in Ellsworth, Me., the son of John and Louise Downey.
Stephen graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1964 and continued his
education in Boston at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Stephen married Doreen
Higgins shortly after college and they had two children, Patrick and Shannon. He was
employed by the Maine State D.O.T. for 32 years as a surveyor. Upon retirement, Stephen worked full time at his own land surveying business. Stephen enjoyed boating,
and he could often be found working on his offshore race boat which he raced professionally for a short time with his son Patrick. Stephen was blessed with the birth of his grandson, Aaron, and enjoyed many trips to Florida with him. Stephen and Doreen wintered in Florida, and they acquired many close friends there. Although Stephen lost an arm to cancer in 2005, his resolve and determination to fight and live a normal life
were an inspiration for other cancer survivors. He figured out ways to do everyday tasks
with only one arm and continued to work and thrive in all aspects of life. He took a
certain joy in watching people's reactions as he performed complex tasks with only one
arm, be it golfing or putting a boat engine together on his own. He will be rememberedas a loving husband, father, grandfather, and as a friend to all who met him. Stephen was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He is survived by his mother, Louise Downey-Wood, of Ellsworth; his son,
Patrick of Ellsworth; daughter Shannon and husband Steve, and his special grandson,
Aaron, all of Southwest Harbor; his brother and sister-in-law Michael and Wendy Downey and their children of Ellsworth; many cousins and extended family members. He was predeceased by his father, John and his wife, Doreen.
Calling hours will be held 3:00-5:00, Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00PM, Monday, November 7th at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Scott Mower, Celebrant. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ellsworth
In lieu of flowers contributions in Stephen’s memory may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Women’s Council, 231 Main St. Ellsworth 04605
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com