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Lois Downing Obituary
Lois was caring and outgoing – always happy to visit with family and friends as well as meet new people who quickly became friends. In the 1960's, she and her husband welcomed Gannon University exchange students into their family. She enjoyed many artistic talents. At age four, she started dance lessons at Catherine Little's Dance Studio and performed in the "Kay-ettes" Dance Group as a young adult. She also participated in the Elk's Club Drum and Bugle Corps. Lois was a seamstress; she made her own wedding dress and her 50th anniversary dress. With a church group, she knitted prayer shawls to be given to those in need of comfort. In her later years, Lois loved designing and making necklaces for family, friends and neighbors. In the 1960's, Lois and her husband were active in the Cursillo Retreat Movement, both as participants and as team leaders.
Besides her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Downing; and her brother, John F. Thompson. She is survived by her children, Susan Abt (Michael), William G. Downing (Janet), Martha McCamman (Mark), all of Erie, Dan Downing of Oklahoma City, Okla., Tom Downing (George Hazimanolis) of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Eloise Downing of Wilmington, Del.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Eric Abt (Samantha Kania), Stephanie Crosby (Robert) and children Sarah and James, Carolyn Geist (Matthew) and children Joel and Elliot, Kevin Abt (Sheante Gambill) and children Zoe and Zya. Lois is further survived by many nieces and nephews and their children.
The family thanks the dedicated staff at Ball Pavilion for their loving care given to Lois.
Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd., on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., and are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11 am at St. Ann's R.C. Church. Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Brevillier Village Employees Christmas Fund, 5416 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511, or to the charity of one's choice.
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Maura Timmerman
March 30, 2017
Martha, my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. May you find comfort in each other and in knowing your mom is at peace.
Cindy Spaniol
March 26, 2017
To Sue and family---My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Lois was a dear friend, not only as your mother but as part of my Cursillo GR. We shared much throughout the years and she was a great inspiration to me. She will be sorely missed. Her funeral Mass was a beautiful tribute and I know she's smiling down from Heaven now-finally at peace. My prayers are with you and your whole family.
Chris Quest
March 25, 2017
Dear Dan and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Your Mom & Dad were so kind and giving. I remember when your Dad would take pictures of us while growing up and your Mom the one of the dearest woman we knew. Sending Loving prayers to all. Ron & Chris (Golab) Quest
Jackie Pointer
March 24, 2017
Lois was always one of the classiest ladies I had the pleasure of knowing! Although we lost touch these last few years, I always considered her a dear friend. She will be missed.
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Patty McLaughlin-Moyer
March 24, 2017
Bill and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Made God hold you close at this time.
March 24, 2017
To the entire Downing family, and especially Lois's children, my sincerest condolences. I loved Lois and her many kind hearted ways. She was a DEAR friend and prayer warrior for me and my loved ones. I am so sorry I am not able to share my love and respect in person as I am currently out of the country and have had rare access to phone and Internet service. I know Lois is joyfully smiling being with Bill once again!
DeColores, Lorraine Bucklin
March 24, 2017
My deepest sympathy go out to the families of this lovely person, I know this wonderful lady will be missed by all, she always had a smile and was happy to see you.and had a way of making you feel special.condolences to the familiy with love. Maureen Crosby
Verda Haines
March 24, 2017
My deepest Sympathy to you Dan and your family.
Suzi Jackson
March 23, 2017
My sympathy to Sue and the rest of the family. I will miss seeing Lois and talking to her at Ball. She was always so sweet to my mom, Marie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Darlene Williams
March 23, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to Lois's family. She was a very dear friend to us. She brightened the day of every person she ever met.
March 23, 2017
Dear Sue and Downing Family,
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mother. What a warm, dear person she was! So many lovely memories of the house up Downing Avenue...bursting at the seams with kids and laughter and love all looked after by a wonderful mother. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kitty Harrington
Linda CROSBY
March 23, 2017
Steph, Rob and family.. I am very sorry for your loss. Gamma was a sweet wonderful caring woman who brought joy to every room. The few times I met her at your home was enough to know how special she was. May the memories you have and the Love you shared someday bring you peace. Amen
Josephine Subotnik Lubiejewski
March 23, 2017
To the Downing Family, and especially to Sue and Bill:
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your beloved Mother. She was so proud of her family. I know that she will always be a part of your lives. Thinking of you at this difficult time and remembering those wonderful days of our youth!
May she rest in peace with our Lord!
Josie
March 23, 2017
To Martha and the entire family my sincere sympathies. Such fond memories of your Mom and family. Lots of laughter and Love! May you all feel Gods embrace and comfort. My prayers and thought will be with you too. Love you, Sue Pearson
D Beach
March 23, 2017
Dear, Sue & Mike
Bill and I are deeply sorry to hear of your loss. What a beautiful lady she was. Sending thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace to you and your family.
Bill & Dee
Bert and Ernie McMann
March 23, 2017
Sue and family. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom. You were lucky to have her all this time---and mostly in good health. And she was blest to have such a loving and caring daughter! Of that you can be sure.
She was such a sweet lady and we enjoyed meeting her when you sang at the Christmas Concert. Find comfort knowing that she is at peace with your dad. You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our love to you all.
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2607 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510
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