Nancy C. (Baker) Downing, 79, a longtime resident of Merrimack, NH, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Hanover Hill Healthcare Center in Manchester, NH, following a period of declining health.

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, on February 13, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Billie and Ruth (Robinson) Baker. Raised in a military family, Nancy spent much of her childhood in Austria, as well as in numerous states throughout the country, but eventually settled in Merrimack. She graduated from Merrimack High School in 1965 and then continued her education at St. Joseph School of Nursing where she obtained her nursing degree in 1966.

Nancy devoted more than 40 years to caring for mothers and their newborns as a maternity nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua until her retirement in 2011. She was highly valued by her coworkers and patients for the compassionate and dedicated care she provided.

Nancy’s life was characterized by her unwavering love for Jesus Christ and for others. She was an active, long-time member of the First Church of Merrimack, where she valued the many opportunities, she had to serve those around her. She was a dedicated wife, mother and friend who enjoyed traditions, vacations, and special moments with those she loved. Nancy’s grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she could often be found taking them on shopping trips, enjoying a sweet treat together or cheering them on from the sidelines.

Nancy will be forever loved and deeply missed by her husband of 57 years, Ronald Downing; her daughter, Meleah Ross, and her husband, Greg; her three grandchildren, Lianna Hurley and her husband, Brandon, Gavin Ross, and Brandon Ross; her brother, Robert Baker, and his wife, Carol; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Church of Merrimack, 7 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, NH. Burial will follow at the Last Rest Cemetery also located in Merrimack.

For those who would like to make a memorial contribution in Nancy’s memory, please make it to the Alzheimer’s Association.