Dalila Quintana Downs

Dalila Quintana Downs, died peacefully on June 16, 2016 in Winter Park, FL. Dalila was born September 26, 1929, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Francisca and Jose Quintana.

On July 26, 1951 Dalila married Donald W. Downs, an airman in the United States Airforce. The next seventeen years were spent raising their three children as they traveled from Puerto Rico to Louisiana, England, New Mexico and Montana. In 1968 Dalila and Donald moved to Merritt Island, FL. While in Merritt Island Dalila made many friends and was active in the local Moose Lodge. Dalila and Donald then built a home in Ocala where they lived until Donald’s death in 2001. Dalila moved back to Merritt Island where she enjoyed an active social life at the Island Lakes retirement community.

In addition to raising their three children Dalila loved to be surrounded by friends and family. She loved music, dancing, playing card games, dominoes and word puzzles.

Dalila is survived by children, Linda Zarbaugh of Oviedo, FL, Kathy Burke of Rancho Murieta, CA and her son Donald Downs, Jr. of Merritt Island, FL; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be a graveside service on July 23, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL. Memorial donations should be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.