Thelma M. Downey

Thelma “Penny” M. Downey, 85, of Northborough, passed in her sleep on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge.

She was born May 22, 1937, in Clinton, MA, to the late Walter Parker and Mildred (Daniels) Parker.

In addition to her parents Penny was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Downey and sons Richard and John Chase. Also preceding her death were her sisters Phyllis Manzi of Rhode Island and Beverly Smith of Virginia.

Penny is survived by her sons Michael Chase of Manchester, NH and Randall Chase and wife Susan Barba of Upton, MA. She is also survived by her grandchildren Samantha Chase and Alex Chase, both of Upton, MA and many nieces and nephews.

Penny graduated from San Jacinto Junior College in Pasadena, TX with a nursing degree and worked as an RN in a number of nursing homes and hospitals in a supervisory capacity including Fort Worth Osteopathic Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX.  She also volunteered for the Red Cross.

Penny enjoyed traveling and spent time in California, Texas, Virginia and Massachusetts gathering lifelong friends along the way. Penny was an avid reader and in recent years volunteered for the local library and senior center.  

The family is thankful for the quality of care she received from the staff at Lydia Taft Nursing Home in Uxbridge, MA and grateful for Penny’s close neighbors, friends and family for their support throughout the year.

Her funeral service and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, North Grafton, will be held privately with her family.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home.