Joan F. (Barrett) Downey passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on January 15, 2010. She was 75 years old. Joan was born in Melrose on April 16, 1934 to the late George & Elva M. (Charlton) Barrett. She graduated from St. Mary's Grammar School; St. Mary's High School, Class of 1952 and has been a lifelong resident of Melrose. Mrs. Downey worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston as a supervisor for 23 years, retiring in 1996. Prior to that she worked for the New England Telephone Company for a few years. Joan was very active in the Melrose community with the Melrose Emblem Club, fundraising for Melrose Little League and helping her husband Richard create the 1st American Legion Ball Club. While at the Federal Reserve Bank she was the chairman for the United Way and Toys for Tots charities. Joan was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church and a former member of St. Mary's Ladies Sodality. Mrs. Downey was the wife of the late Richard J. "Dick" Downey. Loving mother of Brenda S. Knapp & her husband Robert of York Beach, ME, Pamela J. Brophy & her husband Edward of North reading, Joseph A. Downey & his wife Jody of Windham, NH, John F. Downey & his wife Lynda of Derry, NH and the late Linda Marie Downey. Sister of George "Butch" Barrett. Grandmother of Jennifer, Heather & Edward Jr., Erin & Jack, Avery & Aedan. Great grandmother of Hailey, Michaela, Madison & Michael. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Wed. January 20th at 9AM. A Funeral Mass in Joan's honor will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's School, 4 Myrtle St. Melrose, 02176 or to the Melrose Emblem Club, in care of Marie Ryan, 102 Crescent Ave., Melrose, 02176.