Mary A. Downing
RENSSELAER FALLS — Funeral services for Mary A. Downing, age 74 a resident of the United Helpers Maplewood Nursing Home and formerly of Rensselaer Falls will be held on Sunday (March 14, 2010) at 3:00 p.m. at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home with Ron Stiles as the celebrant.
Calling hours will be held prior to the service on Sunday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the spring at Kendrew Cemetery.
Surviving are two sons William "Bruce" Downing & his wife Cindy of Papillion, NE & Patrick Downing & his wife Michelle of Rensselaer Falls; a daughter Jackie Busch of Rensselaer Falls; a sister Sally Ann Stuthard of OH; a brother James Rinella Jr. & his wife Wanda of TN; eight grandchildren William Andy Downing of Houston, TX, Mary Downing of Rensselaer Falls, Darcy Downing of Heuvelton, Brian Davis of Hammond, Steven Davis, Ashley Davis, Levi Busch & Sally Busch all of Rensselaer Falls; four great-grandchildren Ryan Downing, Gracie Downing, Emma Benware & Skyler Davis along with several nieces, nephews & cousins.
Her husband William Downing predeceased her on April 1, 1994.
Mary was born on July 16, 1935 in Columbus, OH a daughter of the late James V. & Florence (Kelso) Rinella. She attended Columbus High School in the early 1950's. She married William Elon Downing on February 14, 1953 at the Columbus Methodist Church with Rev. Hicks officiating. During her career, she was employed by Canton Central School Cafeteria, Mitel, P & C Foods in Canton and a private home care provider until 2000 when she retired. She was a member of the Rensselaer Falls Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, cooking and being a devoted house wife, mother, grandmother & great-grandmother and was a great friend to all.
Memorial contributions have been requested to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 5008 Brittonfield Pkwy, Suite 300, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or the Alzheimer's Association 360 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017.
On-line condolences can be made to the family at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
