Martha Rose Liebman Downs of Bethany passed away at home on February 18.
She was born on Oct. 21, 1925 in New Haven, daughter of Maude (Jones) and Arthur Liebman. She attended school at Hillhouse High School, class of 1943.
Upon graduation she worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company. She worked at Optron in Woodbridge, CT at the time of her retirement. She was an active member of First Congregational Church in Bethany for many years, and a volunteer at the CT Food Bank. She also belonged to the “Bethany Wanderers” hiking club. She enjoyed walks and being outdoors.
Her true joy was her family and hosting family gatherings. She was known for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, letter writing, cooking and baking (her apple pies were famous), her love of animals and her wonderful sense of humor.
Martha leaves behind her children Curtiss & Kay of Bethany, Kent & Tracy of Columbia, Marcy and Richard “Smitty” Smith of Alstead, NH. Grandchildren Jesse & wife Angela, Christian, Nell, Anna, Taylor & fiancée Danielle, Melinda & husband Tom, Spencer and great grandchildren Noah, Seth, Sydney, Sam & Olivia. She also leaves behind her twin sister, Mildred Truelove of Southbury and long time friend and neighbor, Betty Peck. She is predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Jerome A Downs III, daughter Melinda “Mindy” Downs, and sister Annette Parks of Carlsbad, CA.
A private family service will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Amity Animal Rescue Fund (AARF) PO Box 1042 Orange, CT 06477.
The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, is entrusted with arrangements. (http://www.jenkinskingfh.com/)
