Maybelle "Helen" Downing

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, John James "Jimmy" Downing; her parents, Geochino and Josephine Filippone; her three sisters, Pauline Austin, Josephine Radosti, and Theresa Knox; and her two brothers, Joseph and Mitchell Filippone.

Helen is survived by her four children, Patricia Ann Sanderson, James Edward Downing, Sr. (Kim), Michael Joseph Downing, (Sandy), and Kathleen Downing Cooper, (Paul). She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was born on May 1, 1925 in Daphne, Alabama. She met her husband, Jimmy, in 1955 and were married on December 7, 1956. She enjoyed painting, ceramics, and crocheting. She worked as a sales representative with Avon for many years. Helen was a longtime parishioner of St. Ann Church and Shrine in Metairie.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Fidelis Craig House for the love and kindness they showed to our mother, whom they lovingly referred to as "Sugar Mama".

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 2:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 12:00PM. The interment will follow the Mass in Metairie Cemetery.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.