Sister Ellen Downes, C.P., formerly Sister deMontfort, a Sister of the Cross and Passion, died peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2015 at St. Mary's Home, West Hartford. Born in Jamaica, NY, she was the daughter of the late Edward Downes and Ellen (Keegan) Downes. Sister entered her community on February 2, 1955 and professed her religious vows on August 8, 1957. She was a past Province leader and served in Education, Retreat ministry and Chaplaincy. In addition to her religious family, Sister is survived by several cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Calling hours will be prior to the Mass from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of the Cross and Passion Retirement Fund, One Wright Lane, North Kingstown, RI, 02852. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.