BLAKELEY, ELIZABETH DOWNS

BLAKELEY, ELIZABETH DOWNS (nee Barrows), 83, of North Cape May passed away Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Cape Regional Med. Center after a brief illness. “Betty” was born October 20, 1930 at 1 Crane Avenue, Rutherford, NJ. Her father, architect Allan Mason Barrows, from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, designed and built the home Betty was born in. She was delivered in that home by poet/physician Dr. William Carlos Williams. Her mother, Gladys Winifred Downs (Barrows), was from East Marion, Long Island, NY and was descended from Captain Charles Downs, captain of the Orient Point/New London ferry. Betty married Frank Blakeley, tax collector/treasurer of Rutherford, NJ where she lived and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Eastern Star before relocating to North Cape May, NJ. Devoted mother and grandmother, Betty was an avid mystery reader, celebrated family chef, enthusiastic nature lover and history buff. She is survived by her children and beloved grandchildren Jessica and Ashley Griffith. With nearly 400 years of lineage on both sides of her family, Betty epitomized the American ideal: democratic to her core, compassionate, selfless, highly moralistic, and brave to the last breath. She walked the path in this life of a true human being. “She brought us joy; we loved her well.” Private memoriam at Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst, NJ. To share condolences, please visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com.