Lilian Downes was born in Leadvale, Christ Church and moved to 4th Avenue Hart’s Gap, in the same parish in her early 30’s.
She worked as a domestic in her younger days and in the early 1950’s she opened a small shop at her home and sold dry goods, kerosene oil and other essentials. The enterprising shop keeper also sold pudding and souse on Saturday’s and reared livestock.
Lilian met and married Lionel Edgar Downes, a bus driver. The couple had no children but Lilian raised two nieces and several great-nieces and nephews. Niece, P. Pamela Carter, recalled her aunt’s skills in cooking and baking, the product of which she shared with family, friends and neighbours.
Lilian was an active member of St. Matthias Anglican Church, serving as a member of the Mother’s Union for over 50 years.
