Sturbridge: Alyce P. (Suminski) Downing, 95, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, Jan. 21 ^st , in the Southbridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, after a brief illness.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Eugene J. Benoit in 1973, her husband Hilaire Cournoyer in 1982 and her husband Denis Downing in 2005.  Alyce was born in Lawrence, the daughter of John and Anna (Baron) Suminski and grew up on the family farm in Sturbridge.  She was predeceased by her parents and her older sister, Jania Massoletti.

During high school and World War II she worked at the Publick House Restaurant and later graduated from Becker College in Worcester.  Before marriage she worked as a flight attendant for the former National Airlines, serving New York City and Miami, FL.

Alyce leaves behind her sister, Dr. Mae Suminski of Sturbridge; her son, John Benoit of Woodstock, CT; her four daughters, Dona Nashawty of Sturbridge, Katherine Jerr and her husband Richard of Fort Myers, FL, Jane Fitzgibbons and her husband Brian of Sturbridge and Jacquie Anne Larson and her husband Bob of Haddem, CT.  She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and the families of her late husband, Denis Downing, who were a great support and comfort to her.

Not one to pick up a hobby, her family kept her busy, although her one constant was visits to St. Anne's Shrine in Sturbridge.  In her later years she became a supporting member of a traditional Catholic church in Salem, NH.

The family would like to thank the staff at Southbridge Rehab for the wonderful care they provided during her stay.

Alyce's funeral service and burial in New Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge, will be private. There are no calling hours.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.