Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Joan M. (Eisenhaur) Downs, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at the age of 82.
Joan was born on September 22, 1943, in Winchester, MA, and was the cherished daughter of the late Norman P. and Beulah N. (Eastman) Eisenhaur. She was raised and educated in North Reading, where she grew up on her family’s chicken farm. From an early age, Joan developed a deep love for animals and especially enjoyed her favorite pony.
Joan attended North Reading schools and proudly graduated from North Reading High School, where she was a member of the Honor Society and a cheerleader for the North Reading Hornets football team.
In 1966, Joan married her sweetheart, Edward “Eddie” A. Downs, and together they made their home in Wilmington, where they raised their three children. Joan and Eddie shared nearly 47 years of marriage and created countless wonderful memories together before his passing in 2013.
Joan was a devoted and loving mother and an adoring “Nannie” to her grandchildren. Her family was always her greatest priority, and she cherished the time they spent together.
For many years, Joan worked for TRW Company and later Textron/Avco Company in Wilmington. She was a dedicated and hardworking employee who was known for being kind and pleasant to her coworkers.
Joan enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She could often be found outside on her tractor cutting the lawn or relaxing with her Dunkin’ coffee and a chocolate donut, her favorite treat. She was also a talented crocheter and lovingly created many handmade gifts for her family over the years.
Soft-spoken, gentle, and kind, Joan had a warm heart and treated everyone she met with respect and compassion. She will be deeply missed and will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Joan was the beloved wife of the late Edward A. Downs, devoted mother of Edward A. Downs, Jr. of Tewksbury, Shelly L. Cunha and her late husband Joseph of Tewksbury, and Chad A. Downs and his wife Michelle of Chelmsford. She was the loving “Nannie” of Angela Maga and her husband Kyle, Blake Downs, and Leah Downs.
Joan was the dear sister of Donald Eisenhaur and his wife Nancy of Maine and the late Helen Weaver and her late husband Merle. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Family and friends are welcome to gather for Visiting Hours at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, September 4th, from 9:30–11:00 a.m., followed by a Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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