CARMEN CARMELA HAND DOWNS, 99,

beloved “Hat Lady” epitomized spirit of Arizona Territory.

Carmen Carmela Hand Downs had the confidence, personality, grit and free spirit that made her a role model and inspiration for women of all ages. As her son Charles said: “Look in the dictionary under attitude and you’ll find a picture of Mom saying ‘Can Do’.”

One of the leading nursing professionals in Santa Cruz county, Mrs. Downs, 99 ,died of complications from pneumonia, surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, in her Nogales home.

Born on the Hand Ranch in the Huachuca Mountains, Sept. 21, 1909, to Irish immigrant, Peter John Hand and his beautiful Spanish wife, Francisca LaCarra, Mrs. Downs was orphaned at age five. She and her only sibling, John Peter were raised by the Fred Randalls.

During those years, Arizona became a state and the country fell into the Great Depression. But Mrs, Downs managed to supplement her income by clerking at Kress department store, and modeling clothes and hats — a lifelong passion.

A good student, she graduated in 1933 from Douglas High School where she played center on the basketball team. After starting her college work at NAU majoring in mathematics, she transferred to St. Mary’s School of Nursing where she had been offered a scholarship. Earning the second highest score on Arizona’s nursing exam, Mrs. Downs graduated in 1936 at 2 p.m. and was offered a job at 3 p.m. by Dr. Charles Thomas, founder of the Thomas-Davis clinic in Tucson which specialized in tuberculosis treatment. This was the beginning of a long and fulfilling career in nursing.

Mrs. Downs’ initial job included setting up operations and assisting in surgery. Oftentimes she would need to travel and care for patients transported by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Carmen worked until Feb. 28, 1938, the morning of her wedding to her childhood sweetheart John Downs, but only after promising Dr. Thomas that if she had sons one would be named Charles.

A research professor of entomology for the federal government, John Downs brought his bride to Nogales to be near his work. They raised a family of four: Brenda, Charles, James, Linda. John Downs died unexpectedly of a stroke in 1952.

Mrs. Downs returned to nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital to support the family and continuing until her retirement at age 75. She proudly taught many nurses the most effective methods in caring for patients, even after her official retirement. She loved nursing but according to Mrs. Downs, her proudest accomplishment remained raising “responsible, educated...and well fed children.” Her motto: “Study hard. Be sure to get an education. That’s the thing that pulls you through.”

Mrs. Downs was a walking, talking part of our nation’s history, included among the many highlights of her life experiences were: lunching with Amelia Earhart, playing for John Philip Sousa, caring for the father of General Pershing, knowing the Buffalo soldiers at Camp Little.

In Nogales, she continually found ways to give back to the community. Mrs. Downs was a den mother to Cub Scouts, a “baker” at Lincoln School, member of Zontas, officer of GFWC-Nogales Woman’s Club, 20+ year Red Cross volunteer in charge of x-rays and blood pressure charts, vice regent of Catholic Daughters, and devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Among her many honors was her selection to Nogales High Hall of Fame.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John and daughter Brenda Richardson. Mrs. Downs is survived by twin sons Charles (wife Fonda) of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and James of Apache Junction; daughter Linda (husband Paul Gomez) of Lakewood, Colo.; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her only brother’s two daughters: Patsy (husband Joe Frannea) of Tucson and Anita (husband Lavar Larsen) of Green Valley, were also at Mrs. Down’s bedside during her final days.

Mrs. Downs leaves a legacy of “adopted kids” and a multitude of friends who will miss her smiling face, colorful hats and incredible lemon pies. All felt privileged to know her.

Services will be held at Adair’s Caroon Mortuary, 1191 N. Grand Ave., Nogales with viewing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a rosary at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2009. There will be a 10 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 272 N. Rodriguez, Nogales on Monday March 9, 2009.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer Carmen Downs be honored with a donation to Pima Community College Foundation for Nursing Scholarship, 4905 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85709-1320.