MARY LAVONNE DOWNING was born on June 26, 1936 in Monroe County, Wisconsin, the daughter of David and Verna Downing. She graduated as salutatorian from Wilton High School in Wilton, Wisconsin. Mary moved to the Twin Cities metro area, finally settling in Coon Rapids. She worked for several years at the Waldorf Paper Company as an office assistant before retiring in the late 1990s. Mary was an avid reader and also enjoyed mall walking. In retirement, she enjoyed taking bus tours with her friends JoAnne and Ruby. After moving to the Autumn Glen Senior Living Center in Coon Rapids, Mary took up puzzling and playing dominoes while spending time with her friend Jo Smart and many others.
Mary is survived by her three sons: Roger (Pauline) of Coon Rapids, Jay (Brigitte) of Blaine, and and Scott (Jo) of Elk River as well as seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and seven older siblings.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM Sunday July 26, 2020 at Gearhart Funeral Home 11275 Foley Blvd NW, Coon Rapids with visitation beginning at 1 PM. Burial will be held 2 PM Monday at Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids.
