Hesta Downey Fisher

January 17, 1933 - November 27, 2013
Hesta Downey Fisher

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Hesta Downey Fisher, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Hesta (nicknamed ìJimmyî) was born January 17, 1933 in Clifton Forge, Virginia and preceded in death by her husband, William Jennings Fisher; and her parents, Clara Rickman Downey and Charles Russell Downey. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ashton Downey, Olen Downey and Bill Downey; and two sisters, Nancy Morton and Eva Newcomb.

Hesta leaves to cherish her memories of her loving daughters, Gwendolyn Fisher of Williamsburg, Virginia; Deborah Howell and husband, Ronald of Williamsburg; Brenda Samluck and husband, Daniel of Linthicum, Maryland; and Patsy Murk of York, Pennsylvania; and her brother, Charles Raymond Downey and wife, Gladys of Clifton Forge, Virginia. Also, her five grandchildren, Natalie Samluck, Jeffrey Murk, Zack Howell and wife, Alison, Amanda Howell and Tyler Howell; her precious great-grandchildren, Mason Stack, Emma, Abby and Parker Howell and Rhys Murk; and many other loving relatives and friends.

While in her teens, Hesta met her one and only true love and married on December 2, 1949. While raising four daughters, she continued her education in nursing and received her degree and worked at the C&O Hospital in Clifton Forge, Virginia. After moving to Linthicum, Maryland in 1967, she continued her nursing career at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center (formerly ìNorth Arundel Hospitalî) until her retirement.

Hesta was such a lovely lady ñ inside and out ñ who will be remembered for her generosity and care for others. Even through the challenges she faced with Alzheimerís, she always wore a smile which filled a room with a beautiful glow, especially when she knew she was getting a special ìsweet treat.î She will be deeply missed by those who knew her and loved her.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Alzheimerís Association.


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  • December 05, 2013
    Phyllis Vess says:
    Gwen, Debbie and families, Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of your dear mother. I know you will greatly miss her, the obituary told what a special person she was, just like I remember her. You have been so good to take care of your mother, something you will never regret. You will have many good memories to keep her alive in your hearts. God bless each of you. Phyllis