Doris Downey Obituary
Our dear mother, Doris Ann Mary Peterson Downey, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at the age of 91. She was born November 16, 1932 in Chester, PA to Harry E. Peterson and Mary Drane Peterson. Predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Paul Downey and two children, Joseph Edward and John Peter, she lived in the Trenton area most of her adult life. She is survived by her children, James Paul (Lisa Coats), Philip Francis (Lyn), Patricia Ann, Peter James and grandson, Patrick Joseph (Kathleen), and many close friends.
Services will be private.
Those who knew her will remember her tremendous pride in her Swedish heritage and her great love of horses. Doris was also a resolute proponent of literacy and creative writing, as evidenced by her many personal compositions as well as her tireless encouragement of others to do the same. Both community and family minded, she was a truly caring friend who reached out to everyone, including extended family members and those navigating the world alone.
An avid reader for her entire life, Doris also enjoyed many hobbies including word puzzles of any kind, baking, knitting, and volunteer work in both civic and private organizations. She was a proud member of the Ewing Township Patriotic Committee for many years, as well as Naomi's Friends in Ewing Township. She was a dedicated supporter of St. Jude's Hospital for Children, HomeFront of Trenton, Anchor House Ride for Runaways, Capital Singers of Trenton, and Good Shepherd of North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to one of these organizations or another of your choice.
She will live on in our hearts as our #1 Jimmy Buffett fan, and chocolate-loving Columbo-phile.
On behalf of the Downey family, we wish to extend a special "Thank You" to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of Capital Health of Hopewell and the angels of Serenity Hospice at Robert Wood Johnson, Hamilton.
Funeral arrangements are by Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel. OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/doris-downey
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Hugh McCaughey
September 22, 2024
Dear Downey Family,
Sending our deepest condolences to all of You.
What a Beautiful life lived, well in touching so many!
There is a special place in our hearts for your sweet mama
Now you all have a Beautiful Angel watching down over you! Peace to You durning this difficult time.
Love Hugh, Peggy and family
Jeffrey
September 21, 2024
Jim, we send condolences and wishes for your memories to be warm.
- jeff and ed
Robert S Dutko
September 20, 2024
I offer my Deepest Sympathy to the Downey family. Doris was a dear friend and wonderful person. I enjoyed working with her at the Ewing Township Patriotic fCommittee for many year's. I will miss the cookies she always shared with us and more important the interesting phone conversations we had. She now joins my wife Barbara and they will look down together to keep me on track. May she R.I.P. my prayers are with the family. Brig. General,Robert Dutko,President of the Patriotic Committee.
Margaret Kelly
September 20, 2024
I´m very sorry for your loss. I will always remember how gracious and caring she was toward me when I was an awkward teenager. I´m praying God´s comfort for your family.
My condolences!
Margaret (Seifert) Kelly
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Stephen McNamara
September 20, 2024
Oh, Patty. You and your family have my deepest and sincerest condolences on your mom´s passing. It was heartbreaking to read that news. I enjoyed your posts of her and all of you over the years, and felt a renewed connection to Trenton every time I read them. God speed, Doris. R.I.P, Beautiful Lady.
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