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Kathryn Downing Obituary
PEORIA HEIGHTS - Kathryn Bickerman Downing, 74, of Peoria Heights passed away peacefully at 10:45 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015, at home.
Kathy was born in Peoria, Ill., on Nov. 9, 1940, to Dr. Raymond and Kathryn (Eckert) Bickerman. She married General Wayne A. Downing. He preceded her in death in 2007.
Surviving are her sons, Daniel Patrick (Leanne) Immesoete of Peoria, Barry Vincent Immesoete-Cain of Peoria Heights, Dr. Phillip A. Immesoete II of Canton, Ohio, Drew Baron Immesoete of San Francisco, Calif., and Morgan Christopher Immesoete of Eugene, Ore.; one daughter, Kathryn Immesoete-Cain of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren, John Phillip and Molly Anne Immesoete, and Charles Patrick, Mary Kathryn and John Casey Immesoete-Cain, all of Peoria; her stepdaughters, Elizabeth Downing Revell of Clifton, Va., and Laura Downing of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and two cousins, Dr. G. David (Ann) Best and Martin C. (Theresa) Best, both of Peoria Heights.
Kathy was a board member of the Junior League of Peoria, the Country Club of Peoria, the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation and the General Wayne A. Downing Foundation.
Kathy was a woman of substance in every way. Her deep sense of commitment and love found their way to her family, sports, swimming, walking, politics, the military and her cherished dogs. She will be remembered for her extraordinary intelligence, remarkable self-discipline and her passion for all animals.
The family invites all friends to attend a reception in honor of Kathy's life from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at the Country Club of Peoria. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private funeral Mass will be at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, with Monsignor William Watson officiating. Wright & Salmon Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to TAPS Animal Shelter, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554; Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PAWS), 2600 NE Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603; Homeward Bound Pet Shelter, 1720 Huston Drive, Decatur, IL 62526; or The A.R.K. Animal Shelter, 477 State Road 26, Lacon, IL 61540.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Downing
Sponsored by An old roommate.
John and Jan Frerichs
April 14, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about Kathy. She was an exceptional and accomplished lady. We send our sympathy to all the family.
thomasDenton
April 5, 2015
sorry, iv already posted but forgot to mention that my mothers boyfriend who is 98 years old..Glen Anderson..went to waynes graduation from West Point and still talks of that day..RIP Kathy.
Thomas Denton
April 5, 2015
RIP Kathy I will miss seeing you walking your dogs on Grand View Drive,you were always so nice and always waved to me.
Maria Diaz
April 3, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the family. I knew Mrs Downing from the Riverplex. What a wonderful woman. I met her a few years ago. We had just lost my mother in law and I was struggling with her loss. the first day I saw her, I almost fainted because she looked so much like her. I mentioned that to her and she spent time listening to me and when it was all said and done (we both cried). She had spent over an hour just listening to me babble. When we parted. She gave me a hug. After that, every time we saw each other she always gave me a hug. It helped me heal from my loss. I had not seen her in recent months because we were traveling so much. As a matter of fact I was just catching up on my daily newspapers when I saw her obit today. I know you know what a great woman she was but know that from this family, my husband and I will remember fondly. My husband used to say he felt his moms spirit every time he saw her.
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Lynn Decker
April 1, 2015
My daily drive down Grandview will be amiss. In the heat of summer or frigid winter days I could always count on seeing Mrs Downing walking with one of her dogs giving me a big smile and wave. My deepest condolences.
Her Fedex friend
Paul Kelley
April 1, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
March 31, 2015
I too am a classmate of Wayne Downing"s and have know Kathy since she married Wayne. It was not a long time but long enough to know that Kathy was special. She not only complemented Wayne but made everybody around her a little better. She will be missed by all and Mary Jo and I send our deepest condolences to all her family and many friends.
denny reimer
Wade & Bobbi Ishimoto
March 31, 2015
Our sincere condolences to Kathy's family. You've lost a wonderful Mom. We've lost a great friend. We'll miss her spirited outlook on life and her care of others. May she and Wayne be united again in Heaven.
Charlie Shaw
March 31, 2015
My deepest sympathies to Kathy's family and friends. I was a West Point classmate and company-mate of GEN Wayne Downing. I first met Kathy at MacDill AFB, FL, when Wayne was CINC, USSOCOM. Kathy will be greatly missed by our USMA Company H-2, Class of 1962 cohort. Godspeed, Kathy, and please say "Hi" for all of us to Wayne.
David Beadle
March 31, 2015
I offer my sincerest condolences to the Downing family. I served with then (Col.) Downing when he was the 3rd Colonel of the Regiment while Commander of 75th Infantry Ranger Regiment at Ft. Benning, Ga. and met Mrs. Downing there as well. Both were exceptional individuals who's lives enhanced all of those that they encountered. May their spirits rest in peace with our heavenly father from up above. ~S~
RLTW...
Mary Smouse & Family
March 30, 2015
To me, Kathy was a strong person in every way. She did everything with purpose and determination and was incredibly beautiful and smart. She was kind and encouraging, and she always left me feeling so energized. It was truly special and a privilege to have known Kathy.
With sorrow and deepest condolences to Kathy's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
March 30, 2015
We send our deepest sympathy to her Family. She was a great lady and a good friend.
Jim and Tina Heldman
GILBERT BERG
March 30, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the family. I met Mrs Downing, when GEN Downing was stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA in the 70's and when the General was CDR of SOCOM in Tampa, Fl.
Beth and Frank Weinberg
March 29, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time. Kathy was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
March 29, 2015
I attended St.Thomas and A.O.L. with Kathy and shall always remember her with great fondness for her loving ways. My deepest sympathy to her family. Sharon Maloney, Peoria Illinois
Carolyn G. Catton
March 29, 2015
Kathy was an amazing woman of strength and courage who will be truly missed by all who knew her. I will miss seeing her walking her best friends- her dogs on Grandview Dr. and our great talks on the walking trail. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Dewy Clarridge
March 29, 2015
Kathy was unique in many ways and one of the most "Can Do" persons I have ever met. You never asked her to do something you really didn't want done. Heaven has received a precious gift.
Ulf and Nguyet Lindqwister
March 29, 2015
Our deepest sympathy and condolence to your family during this difficult time. We will miss Kathy for her strength, courage and positive spirit. God Bless.
Shirley Alwan Noe
March 28, 2015
My prayers and thoughts are with all of Kathy's family. I went to school with Kathy at AOL class of "58". God be with you all.
Chris Cowan
March 28, 2015
I knew Kathy from walking on grand view. We had some really nice conversations and I met all the dogs. She was a great lady and will be missed. So sorry for your loss
March 28, 2015
Kathy was a special lady, a fun friend, and the best friend her dogs ever had. Her presence and smile will be missed greatly by so many.Our deepest sympathy to all her family. Dick and Trish Nitto
Tad Skoczynski
March 28, 2015
I knew Kathy for many years. She was a great friend. Her memory will always be with us. My deepest sympathy to Kathy's family.
Louise and Lon Kepple
March 28, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
Kathy Blackmore
March 28, 2015
Kathy,a very strong woman whom left her mark with everyone she met. I'm going to miss our talks.
March 28, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Kathy's family. She was in my class at St. Thomas and AOL. She will always be remembered as a sweet, caring person. Judy (Hagemann) Campbell
Helen Wade
March 28, 2015
May your memories bring you comfort today and in the future.
Class of '58
Joan Janssen
March 28, 2015
Jay and I send our deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Kathy. We shared a love for our dogs and always laughed about how many furry friends filled our lives. Please know that you are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
With love,
Joan and Jay Janssen
Amy St John
March 28, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dan Daly
March 28, 2015
I appreciated Kathy's energy and sincerity. She invested time getting to know people and made a special effort to recognize children and their accomplishments. It was my pleasure to serve with Kathy on the CC of P board, where she was a thoughtful, influential voice of reason. Kathy has left us all better for her caring service. My prayers are with her and her family.
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