Madeline Elizabeth Downen

Madeline Elizabeth Downen, age 92, of Indianapolis, formerly of Whiting, IN, passed peacefully in her sleep on Friday, June 16, 2023. Madeline was born in Pontiac, MI to the late Albert and Hazel (Sisk) Morgan on August 17, 1930.

She graduated from Roosevelt High School in East Chicago, IN as well as from St. Joseph College in Whiting, IN with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education. She went on to be a Medical Librarian at St. Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago, IN for many years, until her retirement in 1995. She kept active in both Boys and Girls Scouts of America. Her hobbies were doing crafts with her grandchildren and drawing. Traveling with her sister, Helen Gorby, and meeting many famous painters topped her list of accomplishments. Many trips were made to Florida to take in the ocean view, Disney World, and other sights with her daughter, Linda, son-in-law, Kevin, and their children. Holidays were always so special because that is when memories were able to be made with her immediate family. The thought of her kindness and compassion will forever be missed.

Madeline leaves behind her loving children, Charles and Sue (McCain) Downen, and Linda (Kevin) Yedinak; grandchildren, Robert Downen, Joanne Downen, Phillip (Brandi) Harris, Hunter Downen, Elizabeth (Rob) Downen-Lohr, Cassandra (Kristifer) Downen-Randall, Caitlyn Downen, June Smith (Jim Wheeler), Ken Smith, and Francis Yedinak; many great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Hazel Morgan; long-time life partner, Eugene Trillo; son, Gregory L. Downen; sisters, Minnie Nelson, and Helen Gorby; granddaughter, Bethany Marie Yedinak; and former spouse, Evan Downen.

Madeline suffered many griefs in her life, but she taught us to not live in darkness, but to live in the light of day with God's grace.

A Public Visitation for Madeline will be held Friday, June 23, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 PM with Burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.

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