Mathilde Downey

Tilly was born to Nikodemus and Monika Horner on September 11, 1936 in Speyer, Ukraine, near Odessa. As an 8-year-old child during World War II, her family, who were ethnic Germans, fled Ukraine back to Germany. Her father, a farmer, was drafted by the German Army, and was reported missing in action along the Russian front. Tilly’s family never saw him again. Her mother and Tilly’s three siblings relocated to Celle, Germany, which became their permanent home.

Tilly met Addison Downey, a commissioned Air Force Officer based in Celle, and they married and raised two children together. As an Officer’s wife, Tilly followed Addison to Florida, the Philippines, Turkey, and finally settling in Austin, Texas where Addison was based and ultimately retired at Bergstrom Air Force Base. Her love of children led Tilly to work in childcare for a number of years, becoming a grandmother figure to many children.

Tilly is survived by her daughter, Ina Downey, and her husband, Keith Hicks of Austin, TX; brother Raphael Horner of Celle, Germany; sister, Monika Hefka and her husband, Richard of Eching, Germany; nephew Dennis Murff, and his wife, Susan, of Manchaca, TX; and numerous nephews and nieces around the world.

Tilly was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Addison; her son, Claude; and her sister Rosalinde.

FAMILY

Ina Downey, Daughter

Raphael Horner, Brother

Monika Hefka, Sister

Dennis Murff, Nephew

And numerous nephews and nieces around the world

A Funeral Mass for Tilly will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 126 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704. The Burial will be held at 2:00 PM at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, in San Antonio, TX. An evening dinner Celebration of the Lives of both Tilly and Addison Downey will be held at 6:00 PM at DiMassi’s South Austin Restaurant at 701 E. Stassney Lane, Austin TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Downey family.