Frances E. Downen

Frances E. Downen, 93, of Springfield passed away on Sunday September 30, 2012 in Springfield. She was born on February 19, 1919 in Auburn, IL., to Thomas F. and Rose Jordan McLaughlin. She married Otis J. Downen on November 16, 1940 in Springfield, and he preceded her in death on May 18, 2004.

Mrs. Downen is survived by her two sons: Jay (wife Marla) Downen of Montana, and Chris (wife Patsy) Downen of Springfield, four grandchildren: Bo Downen, Josh (wife Alana) Downen, Brad Downen, and Kate Downen, and two great-grandchildren: Carter and Drew Downen. She was preceded in death by her brother Dennis McLaughlin, her sister Loretta Smith, and one niece Shirley Ann Smith.

Frances was the Executive Assistant to the Director of Law Enforcement in Springfield, retiring after 28 years of service. She was the founding member and the first president of the Springfield Federated Junior Women’s Club, and the founder and first president of the Springfield Federated Junior Women’s Club Alumni, she was also a member of the Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, as well as the Springfield Garden Club.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday October 3, 2012 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Rd, with Fr. Jeff Grant officiating, and burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 5-7pm Tuesday at Bisch West. In lieu of flowers the Downen family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the attentive staff of River Birch Senior Living in appreciation for the expert care and compassion they shared with Frances. Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.