Josephine Downing

Josephine was born in Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, Ireland on March 19th 1932. She was one of eight children born to Catherine and Florence Donnelly. She was raised on a farm, with breathtaking views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Like many of her generation she emigrated, at the age of 19. She sailed to New York on the S.S. Washington out of Cobh, Co. Cork on March 21st 1951. She arrived at the port of New York on March 28, 1951 to live the American dream and that she did.

During those early years, she met many of her lifelong friends as well as the love of her life, Denis. Although he was from Kerry, only 29 miles from her birthplace, they both travelled over 3,000 miles to ultimately meet at the Old Jaeger House, an Irish dance hall in Manhattan. The love she had for Kerry equally matched her love of New York. She was a proud and active member of the Kerry Ladies P & B Association, serving multiple terms as President. Her strong Irish connection was evident through her marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, attending the Kerry Dances, games at Gaelic Park in the Bronx on Sundays as well as weekly card games. She held close to her heart not only the spirit of good friendship but loyalty to her Irish heritage. She enjoyed hosting family and friends when they visited New York. She loved the bright lights of New York City, her witty and fun personality, combined with her zest for life always guaranteed a good time.

She was a sixty-five-year resident of Woodside, NY and a devoted parishioner of St. Sebastian RC Church. She took pride in being part of the Woodside Community and embraced the strong bond among her neighbors and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Denis, her son John, her grandson Michael, and siblings Maureen Galvin, Nora Kelly, Cornelius Donnelly, Kathleen Collins, Florence Donnelly and Anna Donnelly. She is survived by her six children Maureen (Brian), Denise (Bob), Rosie (Frank), Joe (Linda), Jimmy (Annie), and Denis (Crissy), Daughter-in-Law Anne; her grandchildren Allison, Daniel, Meaghan, Christine, Shannon, Molly, Ciara, Joanne, Katie, James, Christopher, Joseph, Sean, Jamie, Lauren, Kerry, Colleen, John, and Maeve; her four great-grandchildren Eden, Noa, Riley, Kelsey, and Callan; and her sister Theresa and many nieces and nephews.

Josephine will be greatly missed by all and her spirit will continue to live on in our lives.

Our family wants to extend our deepest gratitude to the aides who showed such care and attention to our mom for so many years, their patience, kindness and dedication was heartwarming and greatly appreciated.