Portland-Beatrice Cynthia Downs, 46, passed away on October 26 after a long illness. She was born on December 9, 1975, in Portland, Maine to Cynthia Ina (Savage) and Allen C. Downs.   Beatrice graduated from Deering High School. She went on to attend Southern Maine Community College where she received an associate degree in both Computer Technology and in Administrative Office Management in 2000. She then attempted to continue her studies at the University of Southern Maine (USM) but paused to deal with some personal hardships. One of those hardships was the death of her mother whom she was extremely close to. However, after taking some courses at Portland Adult Ed (PAE), where she received much support and formed many lasting bonds, she did make a triumphant return to the university in 2015. At USM, she studied Tourism and Hospitality, travelling to places like Bermuda and Mexico as part of the program and earning her bachelor's degree in 2017. Beatrice was encouraged by then university President Glen Cummings to continue her studies and went on to pursue her master's degree in Leadership Studies. This presented her with another amazing opportunity to travel the world. The trip to South Africa as part of the Montagu Project was one that she held especially dear to her heart. She forged many friendships and acted as a mentor to the younger students, always being a helpful and caring presence.   Beatrice received many awards and merits throughout her education, some of which will be on display at her visitation.    Beatrice had a great love for her cousins, Matthew and Sarah, whom she often babysat for when they were younger. She engineered the ordinary into fun experiences and lifelong memories, like when she would hold them on her lap and slide down the carpeted stairs at home.     Beatrice was a lifelong Mainer and loved going to places like the Fryeburg Fair and the Yarmouth Clam Festival.     Her latest job was in administration in the Parking Services at USM. She was very organized and assisted many students and faculty members. Beatrice was so loved. She was always helping someone in need and never hesitated to lend a hand.     She met the love of her life, Shawn Tarbox, in 2019. She beamed when she talked about him. They blended their lives together into one seamless plan for the future. They were an example of true love; one always thinking of the other first.     She is survived by her fiancé Shawn, her aunt Jeanne McMullen, and two cousins Matthew and Sarah Savage as well as some distant cousins, many dear friends and chosen family. She is predeceased by her parents and by her uncle, Keith Savage.     Visitation for Beatrice will take place on Thursday, November 10th at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland, Maine from 5-7pm. A private burial will take place at Upper Gloucester Cemetery.     In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Beatrice's memory can be made to The TRIO College Programs at the University of Southern Maine.