Imelda Mary Margaret (O'Connor)(Galik) Downes

Imelda Mary Margaret (O'Connor) (Galik) Downes, 65, of Lowell died unexpectedly at her home following a brief illness on Saturday December 6, 2014. She was the longtime love of Dr. Joseph M. Downes, Jr. of Lowell with whom she shared 25 years. 

Born in Ennistymon, Co. Clare, Ireland on March 21, 1949, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Bridget (Barry) O'Connor.

For many years Imelda was a dedicated certified nursing assistant having a passion for taking care of people. She worked for 32 years at Tewksbury State Hospital. Even after her retirement, she returned to home health care to carry on her natural gift of caregiving. 
She was a fantastic cook and was famous for making enough to feed numerous people even when cooking for just she and her husband. Imelda always said she never met a stranger, she loved people and loved to make them laugh. She loved to dance and was an all Munster dancer as a young lass. She also played the spoons. She was a longtime member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and the former Billerica Irish American Club.

Imelda was very proud of her Irish heritage. Her roots being in Ireland led to many trips back to her home to visit family and friends. She also had many family members living in England where she would frequently visit as well. She was born with a green thumb and took pleasure in flower gardening.  Imelda's greatest love was her family and friends.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her son, Ronald Galik (Teena) of Shapleigh, Maine, her daughter Jennifer Page and her children Katelyn and Tyler of Palm Harbor FL, her children Brian Downes (Nancy) of Pelham, NH, Marcia Bird of Chelmsford, Timothy Downes of Lowell, MA, John Downes (Susan) of Winchester, Atty. Joseph M. Downes, III (Sena) of Melrose, also several grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Allen O'Connor(Joan) of Waddington, England, Derek O'Connor ( Brenda) of Teingmouth ,England, Dorrie Briggs (John) and Rosie Shread of Nottingham, England, Mary Ryan of Kent, England, Marion MacDonald (James) of Bangladesh, Michael O'Connor (Rita) and  Kevin O'Connor (Geraldine) all of Ennistymon, Ireland, Bernadette Barry (Jerry) of Doolin, Ireland, Geraldine Nevin (Graham) and Jacqueline Mannion (Brian) of Mullingar, Ireland; her sister and brothers-in-law, Frances Moore( Robert) of Tewksbury and Michael Downes (Chandra) Springfield,NH; many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.