Ella H. Downey

Mrs. Ella Henrietta Casey Downey was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on June 12, 1919. She was the youngest of five children born to immigrant parents, James and Jane Casey. At the early age of 13, Ella left school to earn rent money for her family's cold water flat as a babysitter for neighbors. She then was hired as a double needle stitcher at Thom McAn's shoe factory. Her sewing skills earned her a position as seamstress in a sweatshop making purses and in a pajama factory. Her sewing talents benefited all of her loved ones throughout their lives. Two of her daughters beautiful bridal gowns, many bridesmaids gowns, and an array of fashionable everyday apparel were created by her nimble, loving fingers. At age 22 she married the love of her life, Lt. John J. Downey Jr. and began her lifetime career as military wife and mother. As an officer's wife, Ella created an inviting home for all, from buck private to four star general. Ella had the ability to make everyone feel important, comfortable, and well taken care of. Hospitality was one of her greatest gifts. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Motherhood was her greatest passion. Ella was a very active PTA member, room mother, and den mother. She belonged to Mother Cabrini Court of the Catholic Daughters and was a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Michael's, Fort Bliss Chapel #2. Ella also belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of The Knights of Columbus Council 638 and the Military Order of World War Wives Club. She received newspaper notoriety as a member of her beloved crochet group, "The Happy Hookers". Manu of her crocheted afghans, lap covers, and scarves will forever keep her family and loved ones warm. She was also a patient teacher to many as she passed down this craft. Music and dancing brought great joy to Ella. She knew how to cut a rug and taught anyone who was interested to do the same. A family function was never complete without her dancing with one of her children or grandchildren. Her life was full of laughter and fun.

Ella is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her loving spouse of 63 years, Col. (Ret.) John J. Downey Jr., daughter Anna Barbara Downey, Son-in-law Jerome Burr, and grandson Patrick Burr. She is survived by her children: Jane Burr, Kathleen Downey (Verner Dobler), Patricia Lunn (Robert Lunn), Aileen Czolgosz (Phillip Czolgosz), John Michael Downey (Melissa Downey), and MaryElla Swan (Michael Swan), grandchildren: Anna Burr (Marc Williams), Lea Gallatin (Russell Gallatin), Marcella Lunn, Michael Swan Jr. (Ashlyn Swan), Matthew Swan, Casey Lunn, and Mirella Downey, and great-granddaughter Cindy Williams.

The family wishes to acknowledge Mrs. Downey's exceptionally devoted caregivers: Rosa Flores, Hilda Taylor, Maria Castillo, and past caregivers: Lydia Schultz and Myrna Aguilar. Without these loving, trustworthy, dependable, and skilled caregivers, Ella's life and her families lives would have been chaotic. We were blessed to have them in our home and doubly blessed to have them care for our mother. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Sunday, August 9, 2015 at Martin Funeral Home Central with a 6:00pm rosary. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00am, Monday, August 10, 2015 at St. Michael's Ft.Bliss Interment will follow to Ft. Bliss National Cemetery& Reception at the Golden Tee @12PM

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) where she heard her daily Mass.

Eternal Word Television Network

5817 Old Leeds Road

Irondale, AL, 35210

USA

Or donate by telephone, Monday to Friday between 8am to 5pm Central Time #205-795-5777.