Joyce Elaine Downs

Joyce Elaine (Gaynor) Downs, 71, Superior, died Monday, Sept. 9, 2002, in St. Luke's Hospital, following a lengthy illness. She was born to Letha (Beebe) and Walter Gaynor on January 29, 1931, in Superior, and remained a lifelong resident. Joyce continuously spoke of her wonderful blessings. She considered her husband, her children, her daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, other family members and her wonderful friends to be her greatest blessing of all. Joyce was a graduate of Superior Central High School with the class of 1949. She married Robert G. Downs on March 28, 1953, in the Hammond Avenue Prebyterian Church, (currently called the United Presbyterian Church) Superior, of which they have both been longtime members. Her other memberships include Chapter BU PEO Sisterhood of which she was a past president, a Charter Vice President of the Superior Jaycettes when it was organized, and was also a former board member of the Salvation Army. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Robert Sr.; her children, Robert 'Rob' Downs Jr. and his wife Cindy of Superior, Michelle Waisanen of Minong, and Rodray Downs of Superior; grandchildren and their spouses, Robert 'Rob' Downs III, and Melissa, Cami and Wayne Luoma and Tommy Downs, all of Superior, Sammie Jo and Megan Waisanen of Minong; a great- granddaughter Anna Elaine Downs of Superior; her aunt Natalie Thompson of Superior, and several cousins, including a special cousin, Dawn Gannon. VISITATION:begins Wednesday, in Downs Funeral Home after 5 p.m. Service in Concordia Lutheran Church Thursday, 11 a.m., with committal prayers at Greenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Henry Hanna of Hammond Avenue Presbyterian Church officiating. Pallbearers will be Ray Halverson, Ray Matushak, Dom Giansanti, Sam O'Keefe, Tom Downs, Rod Campbell, Bob Mataczysnki, Bill Ellison and John Haugland. If desired, memorials may be made in Joyce's name to either the United Presbyterian Church of the Salvation Army.