Barbara H. (Jackson) Downs

Barbara H. (Jackson) Downs, age 93, of Scituate and a longtime resident of Foxborough, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the Cardigan Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Scituate. Born on January 19, 1933, in Somerville, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late John and Mildred (Perry) Jackson. She married her husband, William Otis Downs, on October 26, 1951, in Somerville.

Barbara worked for many years as a secretary for the principal at Ahern Middle School and for the assistant superintendent of the Foxborough Public Schools. A longtime member and former deacon of the Bethany Congregational Church in Foxborough, she and Bill spent their winters in Fort Myers, Florida. She found joy in traveling, solving crossword puzzles, reading, and participating in activities at the Foxborough Council on Aging. An avid dog lover, she cherished her beloved pets Buster, Molly, and Ladybug, but nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent with her family.

She is survived by her loving children, Cindy and her husband Ken Carrison of Scituate, Heather Cruickshanks of Reading, Massachusetts, and Paul Downs and his wife Pam of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. She was the devoted grandmother of Mark, Michael, Jennifer, Sarah, Alexander, Chloe, and Troy, and the great-grandmother of Colton, Parker, Borys, Maryna, Addilyn, and Rowan. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law Alice Downs of Utah and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband William, her brothers Robert Jackson and his wife Evelyn, and Gordon Jackson and his wife Phyllis.

Barbara will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose quiet strength and warm presence touched all who knew her.