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BORN
1924
DIED
2016
Lily Downing Obituary
Lily Mae Downing, died Friday, June 10, 2016, in Rockford. Born April 14, 1924, in Madison, she was the daughter of Louis C. Hoffman and Dinah Helena Gonstead. Lil moved to Rockford, graduating from East High in 1941. In 1945, she graduated from St. Anthony Nursing School and then pursued Physical Therapy training. Lily married her East High classmate/sweetheart, James Edward Downing in 1948; they had two children. For 40 years, Lily loved working as an OB/GYN nurse, initiating Rockford's first Childbirth Education and grand-parenting classes. Her hobbies included cake decorating, baking, exercising, reading and sketching. She adored dogs, especially Boxers. Lily was a person of great faith and optimism. Retiring In 1985, the couple moved to Florida and in 1998, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. After Jim's death in 1999, Lil stayed active in Ft. Myers enjoying her interests and friendships. Following a fall in November, she returned to be close to family. She suffered from various health issues and was living at Wesley Willows. Lily is survived by her son, John C. (Bet) Downing of Roscoe; daughter, Rebecca Downing Pelley (Fred); grandchildren, Lauren Downing (Aaron) Burcham, Hannah Downing, and Ellie Pinzarrone (John) Wise; and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; two sisters, Marion and Francis; her husband, "Big Jim,"; and many dear friends.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 2, in Boylan Catholic High School's chapel, (use the south student entrance). Memorials to: the Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lily Downing
3 Entries
Beverly Oberg
July 1, 2016
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. Lil was an exceptional lady with a great zest for living. She loved all facets of her life: home, work, church, and especially family. She demonstrated the importance of mutual respect and kindness in creating a positive work environment on a daily basis. Never did she appear outwardly frustrated but instead approached all crisis situations rationally and methodically with a smile. She taught me life skills I carried with me through a long working career. Lil was quite a mentor as well as a dear friend and confidant. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Christine Hawley
June 29, 2016
So very sorry to read of Lil's passing. I also remember her as a woman of great faith, and as my mother Loretta's girlfriend. I have said so many time since my own mother's passing, "I am happy for her because she is in heaven, but I am very sorry for us because we will miss her." Sending both prayers and condolences.
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