Marilyn A. Downes

Marilyn Augusta (Estabrook) Downes, church organist and choir director of the First Baptist Church in Westwood for 55 years, died of acute myeloid leukemia on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Brigham & Women ‘ s Hospital in Boston.  She was 78.  Marilyn was born April 15, 1936, the daughter of Walter Edward Farnum and Frances Augusta (Holden) Estabrook.  She grew up in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Math and Music from Boston University.  Marilyn taught Math in both Dedham and Westwood for about four years until becoming the organist and choir director at the First Baptist Church in Westwood in 1960.  She established an English Handbell Choir in the late 1960′s which she brought on tours through England, Ireland and Austria and which continue to impress and inspire both the Baptist Church congregation and its fans in concerts throughout the year.  Marilyn LOVED to travel, and enjoyed sharing stories of her adventures to over 33 countries.  Marilyn is survived by her husband, Coach Russell Earle Downes; her son, Kenneth R. Downes, and his wife Kate, of Shelburne Falls; her daughters, Susan A. Downes-Borko, and her husband Victor, of Rangeley, Maine, and Nancy L. Hastings, and her husband Christopher, of Los Angeles, CA; her Brazilian son, Paulo Matos, and his wife Mary Wentworth, of Sudbury; her brother, Alan Estabrook of Orleans; her sister, Linda Holden of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Samuel Downes, Lauren Downes, Isabelle Hastings, Vanessa Matos, and Eliana Matos; and her beloved cat Sundae.

The family of Marilyn Augusta Downes cordially invites you to join us on Saturday, May 16, 2015, to celebrate her remarkable life. A memorial celebration will be held at 11:00AM followed by an informal luncheon with slide show. Both events will take place at First Baptist Church, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA, 02090.
The Westwood Ringers, Church Choir, and special musical guests will help us remember and celebrate the importance of music in Marilyn’s life. An RSVP is requested for both events to help us ensure that we have sufficient food and seating for all of Marilyn’s family and friends. Please submit your RSVP at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oBO_3qnhzh0ihIcAe3c5KozF4vJGDOvb_09vST8zb4k/viewform?usp=send_form
If you have any problems with this process or would rather confirm your attendance by telephone, please call and leave a message for Donna Metcalf at the First Baptist Church Office, 781-461-1730, with name and the number of people in your group attending.

A brief graveside service will be held the same morning at 10:00AM for those who wish to join the family for the interment of Marilyn’s ashes at the new Westwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Westwood, 808 High St., Westwood, MA 02090, to be used for the music ministry of the church.