Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of Ken W. Downes, Richmond Township, and Bridget McMahon, Fleetwood.
Michaela had just completed the third grade at Richmond Elementary School, Fleetwood. She was a member of the Brownie troop that meets at Fleetwood Community Center. She was also a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown.
Survivors include parents; sister, Katherine A. Downes, and brother, Thomas A. Downes, both at home; maternal grandmother and stepgrandfather, Betty A. (Koster), wife of Paul C. Long, Lancaster; maternal grandfather, William J. Mc-Mahon, Annapolis, MD; paternal grandmother, Martha (Rowe), widow of Donald A. Downes, Middletown, VA; and maternal great-grand-mother, Anne A. (Sergeant), widow of John Koster, Ash-ville, NC.
Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA, with the Rev. Msgr. Walter T. Scheaffer officiating. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.
Friends may call Tuesday evening, July 17, 2012, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Ludwick Funeral Home, 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the church.
The family requests contributions be made to Lehigh Valley Hospital Trauma Center, 2100 Mack Blvd., P.O. Box 4000, Allentown, PA 18105. Online condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Judy & Mike Lenhart
August 2, 2012
Dear Bridget & Ken
We are so sorry for your loss are prayers are with you we Love you all very much
Chas Sprouse
July 23, 2012
Dr. McMahon,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ty-kesha moore-chandler
July 20, 2012
I am a brownie troop leader for troop 644 in allentown. My troop sends their condolences to you and your family. In the spirit of Girl Scouts Juliette Low is in heaven and will watch over your little lady.
Tom Oliver
July 18, 2012
Ken,
I just heard about your loss. I am truly, truly sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tracy and Mark Arnold
July 18, 2012
So very sorry for your loss. May memories bring you comfort.
Cynthia Long-Drakes
July 18, 2012
Bridget,
I cannot imagine what you are going through. My heart is with you today and the days following. The kids and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your kids.
Love, Cynthia
Jason Fronina
July 17, 2012
Ken, So sorry to hear about your loss. I cant even imagine how you are feeling. If you need anything please let me know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time.
Kristin Heilman
July 17, 2012
Dr. McMahon & family- Our deepest condolences for your loss. Words fail... You all are in our thoughts and prayers
Edie Sweitzer
July 17, 2012
Ken, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I can't imagine the pain and sorrow. If there is amything I can do for you please let me know.
Lori Snyder
July 17, 2012
Dr. McMahon & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Being a parent myself, I can't even imagine the pain and sorrow you are feeling. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Adam
July 17, 2012
Dr. McMahon and Family.... Children are precious gifts. They are always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. When one of them becomes a memory, those memories become treasures. May your treasures bring you comfort through the days ahead. We wish you and your Family members heartfelt sympathy for your loss of your Dear Daughter Michaela. From The American Cancer Society,Reading,PA and the Kutztown Relay For Life Team of East Penn/Deka
Lisa Haupt
July 17, 2012
Dr McMahon, Thomas, Katherine, and Mr Downes
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you.
Alyson Abato
July 17, 2012
Bridget, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain and sorrow you and your family are feeling. You are in our thoughts.
tom fredricks
July 17, 2012
my favorite little lady will be missed
Matt, Karissa, & Maddy Kinsinger
July 16, 2012
Dr. McMahon & family,
We are so incredibly sorry to hear of the loss of you daughter... We are thinking about you and sending positive thoughts your way!
Charles Godfrey
July 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow
Mitch Ohl
July 16, 2012
Bridget,
I'm so sorry for your loss of your precious Michaela. I have been saying prayers for you and your family since learning of this tragedy earlier today. I can only hope that the wonderful moments of her life will help bring comfort to you all in the tough road ahead. My heart goes out to you and your family. Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Mitch
July 16, 2012
Dr. McMahon and Family,
We cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you must be feeling with the tragic loss of your beautiful daughter Michaela. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May all the wonderful memories comfort you in the difficult time ahead.
Mitch, Kim and Sarah- Midwest Vet
Sue and Carl Fortna
July 16, 2012
Dear Bridget and Family,
I don't know what to say other than we are so heartbroken to hear about the loss of Michaela. We will continue to pray for your family. May God give you strength each day and keep you close through this tragedy.
Joanne, Mike, Kylee, and Lauren Paules
July 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pamela and Tiffany Cirulli
July 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rhonda Wallace
July 16, 2012
To Bridget and her family,
I am so sorry for your loss of your precious daughter/sister. You've been in my thoughts and prayers almost at every moment from hearing about this terrible loss. Allow God to carry you through this as she is with Him now and may God's peace be with you always.
July 16, 2012
Dear Dr. McMahon & family,
We are so sorry for your loss and tragedy. Please know that you & Michaela are in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless all of you & help you through this difficult time.
Rosemary, Greg & Laura Kokolus
Tisa Franks
July 16, 2012
Dr. McMahon and Family:
We cannot even imagine the pain you and your family are feeling at this sad time. We are so very sorry to hear of your loss and are sending many prayers and thoughts your way. May God bless you and your family with strength and love.
Tisa, Andy, Aubree, Chase, Usher, Shadow, Tails, and Sasha
July 16, 2012
My heart breaks for you. May you find solace in the knowledge that she rests in Gods loving arms. Cherish the joy that Michaela has given you over the years and know that you will see her smiling face again someday.
Cindy Ruppert
Bonnie DeTurck
July 16, 2012
Ken & family,
I just met Michaela at Marco's party and she was a lovely girl. It was such a shock when Lindsay made the announcement at work about her death. I am so sorry for your loss and cannot even begin to understand what you are going through. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and a day hasn't gone by that I don't think of you.
Jim Stevens
July 16, 2012
Ken,
I am hearbroken about your loss. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. May memories comfort you during this awful time.
Claire Schittler
July 16, 2012
Doc Bridget and family, I feel the pain of your loss. There are no words to say except that every night I have asked God to help each of you through this. We do not know why these things happen but God must have a plan for Michaela. Please know that your daughter will be with you every day in spirit.
Scott & Susan McLellan
July 15, 2012
Bridget, Ken and Family,
We are so devastated to hear of the loss of Michaela. We pray you find the strength to make it through the days and months ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lesley Agostinelli
July 15, 2012
My heart is just broken. I am so sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Missy and Bob Brong (Hound Hollow Boarding Kennel)
July 15, 2012
To the McMahon and Downes Families,
Our thought and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss. We know you will find comfort in all her memories.
Sherry Sacks
July 15, 2012
Dr. McMahon, Family and Friends,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brian, Sherry and Kale Sacks
(and all our furry kids)
Deborah Phillips
July 15, 2012
To The Downes Family,
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in the memories that you cherish.
Tina, Brittany, & Rebekah Downes
July 14, 2012
Kenny & Bridget...our hearts are broken. I can't even imagine the sorrow that must fill yours. I hope you find comfort in the pages of God's word. It is clearly defined how Jesus feels about children, and I can imagine Michaela hand in hand with Him. We are praying for peace and comfort for the entire family, as we are all deeply saddened.
Laura Sanchez Van Veen
July 14, 2012
To The Downes Family,
My son Paul was new to Richmond Elementary this year and was in Mr. Schaeffer's class with Michaela. I was fortunate enough to get to know her through this school year and she was a delight. Always with a smile, always gave me hugs, always quick to laugh and very friendly. Paul told me how nice she was to him on the first day of school and they became friends. Our family will miss her very much and we are incredibly sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of you. Big Paul, Laura and Paul
Patti and Brandy Trabosh
July 14, 2012
Bridget and family,
Many thoughts and prayers go to you on this very sad day. We are so sorry for your loss, and we grieve for your family. We are just two doors down so if you need anything, please come...our door is always open to you.
Tammy Bailey
July 14, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this sad day.God will welcome her with open arms.May she rest in peace. From Tammy at Weis Markets in Kutztown .{Buddy the Macaws Mom }
Sherry Arak
July 14, 2012
My daughter Jessica (going to 3rd in Richmond) told me she was a very pretty girl, with a beautiful smile. She said she was a good friend, and said that Michaela always smiled at her. She said she will miss her in school this year, but that someday she will see her again. She told me now Katie (our dog in heaven) has a good friend to play with her and keep her company. Jessica wanted me to say she will be sadly missed. ( Jessica Arak, 8 yrs old). Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Crystal Drumheller
July 14, 2012
Bridget and Ken,
I cannot begin to process what you and your family is going through right now. We are so sorry for your loss. My heart greives with you and your family. May you find comfort in God, family and friends. Siarah and Katherine have gone to school since kindergarten. Mason also went to school with Michaela when he was at Richmond. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Kathy Wood
July 14, 2012
Michaela could always be counted on for a smile. I will miss her unique, free-spirited approach to life and her ability to stump me with her thought provoking questions. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be greatly missed.
April Dibler
July 14, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I'm sure God has a special place for Michaela to wait until you can see her again. God give you all strength and peace until then.
Christine Shay
July 14, 2012
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I did not know Michaela, but my son attends Richmond and I wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeanine Moore
July 14, 2012
Words cannot express how truly sorry we are for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Cindi Levengood
July 14, 2012
Michaela will be missed by many but never forgotten. The entire family is in my thoughts.
diane suba
July 14, 2012
i am so sorry for your loss. rip little one.
A Richmond Mom
July 14, 2012
Words cannot express my sorrow for your family. May you know, you are supported, thought of, and prayed for. May you find, a small bit of comfort in the days of ahead, that we are promised we will see our loved ones again. With deepest and heartfelt sympathy, I hold you in my heart, thoughts and prayer.
July 14, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your family's heartbreaking loss. I did not know Michaela, but Katherine was my student at FMS. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Hannum (Fleetwood Middle School)
July 14, 2012
Dear Dr. McMahon
So sorry for your lose. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack & Katrina Sober
& family too
Vicki Letterman
July 14, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Michaela that well, but I do remember her when I would take my kids to school every morning. Also my son Christian, is friends with Katherine. She was such a special child and she will be missed at Richmond. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Mackenzie Frey
July 14, 2012
Michaela was my friend and I will miss her very much. My prayers are with her family.
Carole Howington
July 14, 2012
My dear Bridget,
I just found out about Michaela and I am heartbroken. I remember her so well...holding her in my arms while she slept when you visited us in NC. You and your family are in my heart and prayers. I love you always.
Carole (Aunt)
Diane Marsden
July 14, 2012
Although I did not know Michaela, I did know Katherine and Thomas from the middle school. I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you all. (Mrs. Marsden from Fleetwood Middle School)
July 14, 2012
Dear Dr. Bridget,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kweenie & Lilly Watts
Duane & Pauline too
Tina Nasados
July 14, 2012
I was truly blessed to have known Michaela. My heart and prayers go out to the family .
Miki Babbitt
July 14, 2012
My heart bleeds for you all, and I will keep you in my prayers. May God carry you through this in his strong arms and keep you close.
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