Betty Downey

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas P. Downey; her stepfather Ellsworth Bittner and her brother Darryl C. Bittner.

Betty was a long-time member and past president of the Quilters by the Sea Quilt Guild, a faithful parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. For a time, she volunteered at the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension, and she taught religious education classes at the Basilica of St. Mary. Over the years Betty shared her love of piecing, appliqué, and quilting with scores of eager students. She participated in two quilting bees up until the most recent month.

She is survived by her children: Elizabeth Tropf (Kenneth), Michael P. (Helen), John T. (Cheryl), Timothy J. (Gina), Margaret Cregan (Stephen) Mary J. (Kate Boitel), Sarah Brodie (Michael), James C., Ellen Yach (Mario), and Kathleen White (Richard); brother, Wayne Bittner, brother-in-law James C. Downey, 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, with an additional baby girl coming soon.

A Visitation will be held from 2pm until 4pm on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Coble Funeral Service, 1155 Shipyard Blvd. Wilmington, NC. The Funeral Mass will be held at 9am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father John McGee officiating. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare.