Nancy Rose Lee (Balzano) Downs

Downs, Nancy Rose Lee (Balzano), age 85, Plainville, CT ~ a former longtime resident of Terryville, CT passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2023, with her family by her side. Nancy was born on October 3, 1937, in Denver, CO and was the daughter of the late Alfanso and Gladys (McLennan) Balzano.  Nancy is survived by her daughters, Jean Zalaski (Raymond) of Terryville, CT and Pamela Christiansen (fiancé ~ Christopher Melillo) of Plainville, CT, her beloved sister, Eleanor Murphy of Jacksonville, FL, along with her grandchildren, Diana, Renee, Joshua, Jesse, Ruth, Nicole, Emily and Sydney, 11 great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.  Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Gene Downs, her son, Ronald Downs, her son-in-law, Frank Christiansen, and her granddaughter, Jennie Serrano-Zalaski. 

Nancy retired after many years of service at Southbury Training School as a Cook.  She had many talents some of which were self-taught, including becoming a master cake decorator, an exceptional seamstress, candy maker, cook, and an amazing homemaker just to mention a few. 

Nancy volunteered her time to the American Cancer Society facilitating a Women’s Free Clinic and being a Girl Scout Leader for many years including organizing a trip to Washington, DC with the Senior Girl Scouts to present the Town of Plymouth Bi-Centennial Coins to President Nixon. She also coached many children at the Terryville Bowling Lanes.  Nancy’s strongest passion was and will ALWAYS be her family who she protected and loved immensely. 

Family and friends may gather on Thursday (February 23, 2023) for condolences at 10:00 am at Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main Street, Terryville, CT with a service at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nancy’s name to the Connecticut Department of Veteran's Affairs, Stand Down, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or the Guide Dog Foundation Shepherd Club, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002.  To share memories with the family, please visit Nancy's tribute wall at www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

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