Justina Brunella Downs

She was born on December 1, 1934, on Corn Island, Nicaragua. Justina or more affectionately known as “Mom”, “Mama”, “Abuela”, “Abuelita”, “Grandma”, or “Granny” was the oldest of 9 children born to the late Alexander and Brunella Downs. Justina went on to have 10 children of her own with her husband Matthew J. Brack. She is remembered as an incredible and loving mother who worked hard to provide for her family, treated everyone with kindness, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Justina was generous and radiated joy to everyone around her.

Today, she is survived by her children: Dexter and his wife, Maria; Zullin; Karen; Matthew and his wife, Janet; Justina and her husband, Tony; Barbara and her husband, Richard; Aleseter and her husband, John; Twyla; Alexander (rest in peace); and Gricelda and her husband, Ricardo. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; her brothers, Leonard, Neil, and Ike; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Justina loved spending time with her family, often traveling abroad or across the United States to be with them, and rarely missing a gathering. She loved cooking and baking for anyone, reading her Bible, attending Sunday Mass, coloring, dancing, listening to a variety of music, and singing her personal lullaby to her children and grandchildren—often making them dance when they were little. Justina was very outgoing and easy to talk to, and she made friends wherever she went.

As the matriarch of her family, she touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. Mom, take your place among those who have gone before you. May you rest in peace and may we all take comfort in knowing that we will be together again someday. We love you.

“You only die when people stop remembering.”