Diane C. Downing

Diane C. (Kappes) Downing 84 of High Bridge, NJ formerly of Philadelphia was called home on February 29, 2024. Diane was born on May 29, 1939 in Philadelphia to the late George and Claire Coll Kappes. She is predeceased by her brother George H. Kappes (late Janet) and her grandson Brian E. Lankin.
Beloved wife of 55 years to Edward T. Downing, Sr. Loving mother of Diane C. Schuler and her husband Joseph, Claire M. Lankin and her husband Michael, Elizabeth S. Gildersleeve and her husband Jeffrey, Edward T. Downing, Jr and his wife Lori, Amy J. Downing and Rodney, Jennifer A. Downing Dennis and Peter, Joseph G. Downing and his wife Monique. Dear sister of John B. Kappes and his wife Patricia. Grandmother of Mackenzie, Nicole, Olivia, Joe, Christopher, Emma, Katie, Matthew, Oliver, Ryan, Emily, Jake, Jimmy, Reed, Kelly, Shane, Jacob, Luke, Charlotte, Madison and her husband Micah, Joey, Katrina, Brooke and Ava. Great grandmother of Alistair, Maddox and Cassius.
Diane was dedicated to her family. She was selfless in her love and always put her family first. She was a wonderful wife, an amazing mom and a proud grandmother. She loved her grandchildren and great children fiercely. Each one held a special place in her heart.
Diane enjoyed sharing trips to the beach with her family and watching the sunset. Each time we look at "Grandmom's sky" we smile. She loved Christmas parties at Echo Hill, themed birthday parties, and family get togethers. She was the ultimate party planner. The details mattered and we always had to have plenty of food. Her famous fried chicken and delicious pound cake were a family favorite. Diane started each morning with a cup of tea with her best friend, Ed, singing along to Eddy Arnold and Charley Pride. What a beautiful way to start the day!
Diane touched the lives of all the people who knew her. We will miss her dearly, but we are thankful for the time we had to spend with her. We will always feel her presence in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are invited to Diane's Life Celebration Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at John F. Givnish Funeral Home, 10975 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 and Friday, March 8, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Our Lady of Hope Church, 5200 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19141. Followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane's memory may be made to The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support.