Shirley Annette Downing

Shirley was born in Allentown to the late James and Mamie (Moser) Leibensperger on April 29, 1936. She grew up in Allentown and graduated from Allentown High School in 1954.

She was happily married to Donald W. Downing for 63 years before his passing in 2020. They had four children: Daniel B. (wife Robin S.) Downing, Jeffrey S. (wife Vickie L.) Downing, Wendy C. (husband Stephen P.) Tudor, all of Palm Harbor, FL, and Vicki M. (husband Travis J.) Kocher of Macungie, PA. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren (Kelli, Stephanie, Kelly, Briauna, Alexa, and Callai), 7 great-grandchildren (Jamie, Madison, Avery, Greyson, Caleb, Cadence, and Clay), and 2 great-great-grandsons (Forrest and Jameson).

Shirley was a past member of the Allentown Music Club, JC Wives, the Allentown Women's Club, and The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. She was also an active member of the Lehigh Valley Women's Auxiliary Club. As a member of St. John's UCC Fullerton in Whitehall, she formerly sang in the choir and participated in the prayer chain.

An avid reader who loved to travel, Shirley also enjoyed decorating and baking sweets, which her husband thoroughly appreciated. She was extremely devoted to her entire family and cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Three years ago, Shirley moved to Florida and settled into an independent living community, where she remained very active and enjoyed the company of her friends. Shirley will be dearly missed by all of her family and friends.

Funeral and burial arrangements will take place in Allentown, PA at a later date.