Bradford, VT – Isabel Mabel Downing, 90, formerly of Topsham, VT, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at her home.

She was born in Ryegate, VT, November 3, 1927, the daughter of William M. and Elsie (Shatney) Carbee.  Isabel married James A. Downing on November 29, 1944.  She worked for many years in the maintenance department at Dartmouth College in Hanover.

Isabel enjoyed BINGO, card and board games, penny socials, Racko, going out to eat, as well as spending time with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, James A. Downing, Sr. on September 7, 2003; a son, Jeffrey A. Downing; a granddaughter, Jamie Sampson; ten siblings, Iva Miller, Margaret Potter, Theron "Bill" Carbee, Irene Kaiser, Vera Cascio, Christina Gasway, Matilda Sanborn Goforth, Norman Carbee, Loise Phillips, and June Currier; and two half brothers, Leslie Carbee and Donald Carbee.

Survivors include her four daughters, Elsie L. Brown and husband Mike of Bradford, Wilma I. Dexter and husband Lane of Bradford, Ann L. Downing of East Topsham, and Norma J. Hatch and husband Larry of West Topsham; three sons, James A. Downing, Jr. and wife Zoe of West Groton, VT, Dale K. Downing of Bradford, and Donald L. Downing of White River Junction, VT; a special grandson that she helped to raise, Richie Sampson and wife Sara of East Topsham; a half brother, Everett Carbee; three half sisters, Evelyn Poore, Beverly Fresn, and Donna Carbee; 19 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be no calling hours.

A graveside service will be on Saturday, November 11 at 1 PM in the Pinehurst Cemetery, South Ryegate, VT, with Pastor Candace Ricker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-a-Wish Vermont, 431 Pine Street, Suite 214, Burlington, VT 05401