Wendy E. Downing, 56, of Claremont, NH, lost a courageous 14-year battle with cancer Wednesday and passed peacefully into Heaven with her family at her bedside. She had been a patient at the Jack Byrne Hospice Center – Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, since February 17.
The daughter of Wayne Carter and Carol (Hewes) Carter of Claremont, Wendy was a 1982 graduate of Stevens High School. Before the disease progressed, she was employed at West Central Behavioral Health Services.
Wendy loved her family and friends; hosting everything from holiday meals to celebration of life gatherings for the grieving. She was an excellent cook and provided her own version of “meals on wheels” for loved ones recovering from illness or surgery. Her quick wit and delight for life brought smiles to our face.
Spending time with her young grandsons Paxton Miller and Mason Miller, was a highlight of her life.
Wendy is survived by her children, Daniel Miller Jr., Matthew Miller and Danielle Miller, all of Claremont; grandsons Paxton and Mason; her mother Carol Carter; sisters, Kelly Carter-Currier and husband, Jack; Cathy Carter, Unity, and Toni Carter FitzMorris and husband, Dr. Christopher FitzMorris, Gorham; an aunt, Shirley King of Florida; nephew, Timothy Quinney; niece, Courtney Quinney, and several cousins.
Her former husband and father of her children, Daniel Miller Sr., also survives.
Steadfast friends during this painful journey were Donna McNeil and husband Mike; Vicki Landry and husband, Brian; Marcie St. Pierre, and husband Larry. The family is grateful for their kindness.
Wendy was predeceased by her father, Wayne Carter in 2005; maternal grandparents, Eleazer “Skip” Hewes and Blanche (Chamberlain) Hewes and paternal grandparents Leo and Ursula Martel.
A celebration of Wendy’s life will be held at the McNeil home next summer. Burial will be held privately at the West Claremont Burying Grounds.
Wendy received outstanding care at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon and suggest donations be made in her name in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.
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