Grace Naomi Downes, of Canajoharie, passed away suddenly on August 27, 2026. She was 91.

Born in New York Hospital in Manhattan on March 5, 1935, to Edwin and Naomi (McElmon) Tudor, she spent her childhood on Long Island, moving upstate when she was fourteen. Immediately after graduating from Fort Plain High School in 1952, she married Harold Downes, whom she had met at church. They purchased a farm on Clinton Road in 1957, expanding it over the years.

When not supporting Harold in raising their family, Grace was active in various clubs and organizations, including the former Seebers Lane Grange, Farm Bureau and their women’s pro-ed group, Cross Trails Square Dance Club, Valley Choralairs, Canajoharie Senior Citizens and the Canajoharie-Fort Plain Garden Club. She was a long-time member of Salem United Methodist Church in Stone Arabia, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School, and for over thirty years was director of the Christmas Eve services.

Reading was Grace’s favorite activity, a love she developed in elementary school. She also enjoyed cards, music, cooking, baking, and game shows.

Grace was predeceased by her husband, Harold, her sister, Joyce Morley, and grandson Benjamin Smith. She is survived by her daughters Jill Erhardt (Dale), Kelly Casler (Varnum), and Penny Alden (Larry). She is also survived by son Blair (Louisa), seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her sister, Alyce Moyer, and brother-in-law, David Morley, also survive her, as do many nieces and nephews.

Grace lived a long and full life and took joy in her loving marriage of seventy years.

Please consider Memorial Contributions to the Canajoharie Vol. Fire Dept., PO Box 28, Canajoharie, NY 13317.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 1:00-2:00 PM on Monday, August 31, 2026, with a funeral service at 2:00 at the Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. 

The burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery afterward.