Helen Louise (Wilkins) Downing passed away on October 13, 2025, at Portsmouth (NH) Regional Hospital. Most recently a resident of Amesbury, Helen grew up and spent most of her adult life in Rowley, the third of four children born to Oscar M. and Harriet A. (Maynard) Wilkins.
A beautiful young woman inside and out, Helen married Russell C. Downing and together they had one son, Russell Jr. (Rusty). In later years Helen was the loving companion of William E. “Billy” Daniels, also of Rowley. After Billy’s death she lived for a time on Plantation Drive, where she soon found friends to share her love of card games.
A perennially social person, Helen enjoyed her final years living in a shared home in Amesbury. She was a lifetime member of the Rowley Grange, and she enjoyed many activities including writing to pen pals, crocheting, playing cards, bowling, and dining out. Over her lifetime Helen was a member of both the Baptist and Congregational churches and remained devoted to saying her prayers daily and sharing them with family and friends.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, husband, son, and one sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie (Wilkins) and Joseph Eires. She leaves behind her siblings Harriett A. Perley and husband Neal and Oscar M. Wilkins Jr. and wife Jean, daughter-in-law Lisa (Johnson) Downing, grandsons Jason and Matthew Downing, and several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as well as long-time friend Pat Moore.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bridgewell for their dedicated and loving care of Helen during her residence there.
All services were private, and Helen was laid to rest with her husband and son at Rowley Burial Ground.
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.
Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, Rowley, MA.
