Passages

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy 

Donna Russell-Beals, 87, died on June 16. She was the daughter of the late Hiram and Etta Russell of Topsham and the wife of the Rev. Gerald Beals, who predeceased her in 1999. Donna graduated from Brunswick High School and earned a degree from Gorham State Teachers College majoring in music and early childhood education. Donna taught and directed music at the Springvale Nursery School and worked for Sanford Head Start. She developed a kindergarten program at the Notre Dame School in Springvale in 1969 and after 5 years she developed her own school and pre-kindergarten in Sanford, named the Carousel Nursery School. She would continue in this field, retiring in 1989 due to family illness. Her interest in music enabled her to lead children’s choirs and her love for early child education found her serving on many boards to advance that need, including at the state level. Donna is survived by a son, Donald and his wife, the Rev. Michele St. Cyr of Milo; a grandson, Elias Eder and his husband James Lyndon of Windham; a twin brother, Donald Russell and his wife Barbara of Topsham, and a large extended family. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Sunday, July 28 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Topsham. For a full obituary .

Arthur Downing, 90, of Berwick and formerly of Sanford, died on June 17. He was born in Springvale April 12, 1934, the son of Gerald and May (Guertin) Downing. He grew up in Springvale and Old Orchard Beach and attended Sanford High School. He worked at Stevens Tree for a time before entering the Army and training as a radio repairman. After he left the service, Arthur worked at several jobs, including Guillemette Brothers Construction, Sawyer and finally at Cyro as a finisher. Arthur enjoyed hunting and fishing and, along with his wife, Rebecca, raised and showed Boston Terriers. He also enjoyed camping, especially at Gunstock in New Hampshire. Arthur is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Foster) Downing; his brother-in-law, Donald Foster and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside service will be held at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday July 24, at 1 pm. Read his full obituary .