Aurolyn Downing

Aurolyn “Pepper” Rines Downing, 81, of Hope, ME, died on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at Masonic Home Health Care and Hospice in Wallingford, CT following a period of illness. She was predeceased by her late husband, Robert J. Downing, Sr.

She was born on April 6, 1928 in Bath, ME, the daughter of Maurice and Mary Louise (Moore) Rines.

Aurolyn graduated from Wiscasset High School in 1946 and attended Augusta General Hospital and graduated in the fall of 1951 and began working at the hospital that winter. After receiving her RN she was employed at Togus Veterans Hospital as a surgical nurse for 2 years where she met her future husband and was affectionately nic-named Pepper for her spunk and energy. They were married in the Chapel at Togus, September 5, 1953 and moved to Camden. She worked at the Camden Community Hospital as a head nurse and also did private duty. Pepper was very active in the Camden Women’s Club, and was an avid bridge player earning many awards. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed gardening and was a great cook. She will be forever remembered for her blueberry pies, homemade crust and all the favorites she made for her children when they were together at the camp on Hobbs Pond. During her husband’s career, the family resided in Salisbury, MD and Guilford, CT where she made many friends from activities, nursing and bridge games. They retired in Hope, ME in 1989. After her husband’s death in 1990, she wintered in Melbourne, FL. for the past 17 years. Aurolyn “Pepper” was a member of the First Congregational Church – UCC of Camden, ME and Guilford, CT and the Palmdale Presbyterian Church of Melbourne, FL.

She is survived by her sons, James M. Downing and wife Patricia of Londonderry, NH; Robert J. Downing, Jr. of Hope, ME and daughter, Jean M. (Downing) and husband Edward R. Laudano, Jr. of Wallingford, CT. She is also survived by her four wonderful grandchildren, Jessica M. and Sean P. Downing of Londonderry, NH and Edward III. and Julia L. Laudano of Wallingford, CT.

Aurolyn “Pepper” will be missed by her family and many cousins and friends from Maine to Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shield’s Mission Project c/o First Congregational Church, 55 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843

A memorial service will be held in the summer.

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