Carol Ann (Casali) Downey

Carol Ann Downey, 93, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was married on August 25, 1957, to her beloved husband Bernard W. Downey until his passing on October 11, 1984.

Born in Natick on Christmas Day, 1930, Carol was the daughter of the late Charles and Wilda (Cline) Casali. She graduated from Natick High School in 1948. Carol is survived by her son, Michael, and his wife, Ursula Sutton, along with her three grandchildren, Nickolas, Sutana, and Noelle, who affectionately called her “Grammy Downey.” She also leaves behind her sister, Diane Wilde, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Carol was predeceased by her sisters, Dolores Crowley and Cynthia “Chickie” Murray.

Carol enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a Nurse’s Aide at Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick. Beyond her professional life, she was an avid gardener, adventurous traveler, and enthusiastic participant in the back-to-the-land movement revival of the 1960s and 1970s. Her canned zucchini relish and rhubarb jam were always in high demand, quickly disappearing from the cupboard. Her sour cream coffee cake was a beloved contribution to gatherings, from joyful soirees to more somber occasions.

Her friendship and generosity will be deeply missed. Her love for gardening and her generous spirit were best exemplified when she grew all the flowers for Michael and Ursula’s wedding in 2001. For many years, her home, affectionately known as the “Dew Drop Inn,” was always open to guests, offering a fresh pot of coffee and a delightful confectionery treat.

A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 11:30 A.M. at St. Patrick's Cemetery, 180 Pond Street, Natick, MA. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  Carol’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol’s memory to the Natick Service Council, Operation Homefront, or an organization supporting veterans, hunger, homelessness, or farms and forests.

Carol's family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Mass General Brigham Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Ann Walker at Brookhaven Hospice, Good Shepherd Hospice, and the memory care staff at The Residence at Natick South (formerly Anthology of Natick) for their compassionate care. Carol's strong independence, warmth, kindness, generosity, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who know her.

For online guestbook: www.everettfuneral.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Carol Ann (Casali) Downey, please visit our Tree Store.