Mary A. Downing
OGDENSBURG - Funeral services for Mary A. Downing, 74, a resident of the United Helpers Maplewood Nursing Home and formerly of Rensselaer Falls, will be held on Sunday (March 14, 2010) at 3 p.m. at the Fox and Murray Funeral Home with Ron Stiles as the celebrant. Burial will be in the spring at Kendrew Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held prior to the service on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Surviving are two sons, William "Bruce" Downing and his wife Cindy of Papillion, Neb., and Patrick Downing and his wife Michelle of Rensselaer Falls; a daughter, Jackie Busch of Rensselaer Falls; a sister, Sally Ann Stuthard of Ohio; a brother, James Rinella Jr. and his wife Wanda of Tennessee; eight grandchildren, William Andy Downing of Houston, Texas, Mary Downing of Rensselaer Falls, Darcy Downing of Heuvelton, Brian Davis of Hammond, Steven Davis, Ashley Davis, Levi Busch and Sally Busch, all of Rensselaer Falls; four great-grandchildren, Ryan Downing, Gracie Downing, Emma Benware and Skyler Davis; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her husband, William Downing predeceased her on April 1, 1994.
Mary was born on July 16, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio, a daughter of the late James V. and Florence (Kelso) Rinella. She attended Columbus High School in the early 1950's. She married William Elon Downing on Feb. 14, 1953 at the Columbus Methodist Church with Rev. Hicks officiating.
During her career, she was employed by Canton Central School Cafeteria, Mitel, P and C Foods in Canton and a private home care provider until 2000 when she retired. She was a member of the Rensselaer Falls Ladies Auxiliary.
She enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, cooking and being a devoted house wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and was a great friend to all.
Memorial contributions have been requested to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5008 Brittonfield Pkwy, Suite 300, East Syracuse, N.Y., 13057, or the Alzheimer's Association, 360 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y., 10017
On-line condolences can be made to the family at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
