Patricia "Pats" Downey

Patricia “Pats” Downey, 94, of Springfield, died at 3:25 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Home. She was born on February 27, 1912 in Springfield, the daughter of Thomas Peter and Anna Walsh Sullivan. She married William W. “Smokey” Downey on September 21, 1932 in Springfield; he preceded her in death on March 22, 1991. Pats, a lifelong resident of Springfield, was a 1929 graduate of Ursuline Academy. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church where she was also a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She retired from the State of Illinois Department of Highways where she had been employed as a secretary. Pats loved singing, dancing, playing cards, traveling and reading. In her later years she enjoyed listening to Lawrence Welk and Broadway musicals. She was a faith filled woman who prayed the rosary devoutly and attended daily mass when she was well. She was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan since the 1940s. She was also preceded in death by one sister: Helen O’Connor and one nephew: Thomas O’Connor. She is survived by two daughters: Patricia “Toz” Downey of Aurora, CO and Linda Miller of Springfield; two nieces: Sr. Maureen O’Connor, OSF of Springfield and Kitsie (husband, Dick) Japsen of Burlington, IA; nine great-nieces and great-nephews and nine great-great nieces and great-great nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Additional Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 S. 6th St. Rd., Springfield. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Home, with Rev. John Nolan, celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Ursuline Sisters, P.O. Box 670, Springfield, IL 62705 or St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 S. 6th St. Rd., Springfield, IL 62703. The family of Patricia “Pats” Downey is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.