Jane Clarke Downer, 66, a financial analyst for the Department of the Navy, died of lung cancer on August 18, 2008 at her home in Great Mills, MD.

Born January 10, 1942 in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Richard Clarke Shaw and Elizabeth (Robbins) Shaw. She graduated from New Bedford High School in 1959. In 1980, she went to work supporting the Department of the Navy in its foreign Military Sales Program. In 1991, she became a civilian employee of the Department of the Navy. Her last assignment was the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters, as Deputy for policy, training and financial management in the International Programs Department.

In 1994, Mrs. Downer earned a Bachelor of Science Degree In Management, with High Honors, from National Louise University. She cared deeply for her children and 10 grandchildren. She had a lifelong love for cats.

Her survivors include her husband, Stephen H. Downer, of Fredericksburg, VA; three children, Susan L. Griggs of Marlton, NJ, S. Page Downer of Fredericksburg, VA, and Amy E. Hall of San Diego, CA; and nine granchildren. Mrs. Downer was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael E. Bair, who passed away in 2003.

There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 20, 2008 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. The family will receive friends from 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with a service to follow in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel.

Contributions may be made to any no-kill animal shelter, such as Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741; to your local Hospice; or to a local volunteer rescue squad.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD