Maureen Elizabeth Downey

Born on July 3, 1931, in Lansing, MI, she was the cherished daughter of John and Marguerite (nee Erard) Morley, and loving sister of Mary Ellen.

Maureen embraced life with spirit and passion for exploring the world. She made the most of every opportunity to travel, creating treasured memories along the way. Travel brought her immense joy, and she was always eager to experience new places, cultures, and people. Even into her 90’s, she continued to travel and explore.

Maureen’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandson William Paul, whom she lovingly helped raise with endless patience and unconditional love. She was known as “Nana” or the hat lady to many in her community. Her warmth, curiosity and wit left an impression everywhere she went and made lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul Edward Downey; parents, John Francis and Marguerite Erard Morley; and sister, Mary Ellen (James B.) Spice, and her son, Timothy Morley Downey.

Maureen is survived by her daughter Mary “Colleen” (William Riess) Downey; dear grandson, William Paul Riess, Issobelle Kusnetsow (partner), fond nieces and nephews, Maureen Hubbs, Kathleen (Mark) Cavalier, William (Marion) Powers, Stephen Powers, Elizabeth (Doug) Marcum; Joanne Powers, and 16 great-nieces and great-nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 31st, 2026, at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL and luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to https://nwcasa.org/support-others/

Address: NWCASA

Attn: Kristen Barry

415 W. Golf Rd. Ste. 47

Arlington Heights, IL 60005