Frances Jacqueline Downing
August 5, 1921 - December 24, 2011
Obituary
Frances J. (Boyle) DOWNING
Nearly lifelong resident of Burien, Fran died at age 90 on Saturday, December 24, 2011, of natural causes in her residence at Normandy Park Senior Living. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. Downing and one daughter, she is survived by her children, Susan Hanson (Roger), Kent, WA; Stephen Downing (Mary), Auburn, WA; John Downing (Dawn), Auburn, WA; and Patricia Bohn (Robert Schmidt), Renton, WA; as well as 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Fran was a member of St. Francis parish since its founding in 1927, and was active in school and parish activities from the age of six. She served as Altar Society President, and was active in St. Michael’s Guild. Fran was also instrumental in the incorporation of the city of Burien, serving on its boundary committee, and picketing on a street corner on election day. Additionally, Fran and Bob were involved in the Porsche Club, attending many national meetings, and winning many awards. Their sons and grandsons are active in the club today. Vigil will be held Wednesday, January 4, at 7PM at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Thursday, January 5, 11 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 15236 – 21st SW, Burien. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Francis of Assisi School Scholarship Fund would be appreciated.
I remember as a kid running around the unfinished basement at their Burien house with all the kids. We had great times there. My wife, Debi, keeps the Downing Family tree updated on ancestory.com and we added new photos of Aunt Fran today to her page. Hope to see you next week.
Jim
Aunt Fran was always very caring. Since I have lived away from Seattle for 30 years, she always managed to find me wherever I lived at the time to give me a call so we could catch up. If there was news of bad weather in our area, she would call to make sure we were alright. I could tell from her stories that she was always surrounded by family. What a wonderful life she had. I will miss her. Sorry we will be unable to come back to Seattle, but our thoughts and prayers will be with Aunt Fran, family and friends.
Our best to all,
Kath and Tom
Mark and I always looked forward to seeing Fran when we came to Seattle. She was a big part of my childhood and very much loved. We will miss her.
Sending my deepest sympathy for your family’s loss. I met Fran at our weekly hair appointments – we always had a few minutes to chat and catch up on the previous week. I enjoyed our talks and will miss her – she was a lovely lady.
We first met Bob and Fran at the Porsche Parade in Aspen in 1978 and enjoyed their friendship for many years. Our deepest sympathy to all the Downing family as we know she will be greatly missed .
I have only known Fran since she moved into Normandy Park Senior Living last year. We sat at the same table for meals. Fran was always a lot of fun, she had a delightful sense of humor. She made friends very quickly with all of us and always introduced us to members of her family when they visited. She enjoyed every moment of her life–I believe she was getting ready to go to another family party when The Lord called her home. We should all be so fortunate as she, to have such an easy passage. God bless you, Fran, I know you are busy watching out for all your family from your vantage point in God’ Heaven.
I’m terribly sorry to learn of Fran’s passing and having lost my own Mother just a month ago, I have a fairly good idea of what you are feeling. Over the decades, I remember Fran as a happy person who always remembered me regardless of how long it had been since our last meeting.
My deepest sympathy to her family.
To all Mrs. Downing’s family and loved ones, I want you to know it was wonderful knowing her. Her many gifts to the community of Burien will be remembered dearly. She was a delightful lady and held a special place in my heart.
My deepest sympathies to the entire family on the passing of
Frances from your lives. It is always difficult to loose a loved one.
Fran was my neighbor for 14 years as my kids were growing up in Seahurst. She was always so fun and outgoing with a ready smile and perfect hair. I was so lucky to move into a neighborhood of women with great knowledge of how to run a house and raise a family. They taught me how to ” do parenthood.” I know she will be missed by her family and all of us who were touched by her life.
My family lived next door to the Downings throughout all of our childhood. We were witness to the first shovel of dirt that was turned when their house was built, and through the years, we kept a well worn path between their door and ours. My siblings and I were together when we heard the news of Fran’s passing and we spent a good bit of time recalling our Downing past. It was conversation loaded with lots of laughter…Fran would have loved it.
Our warmest thoughts are with those who honor Fran and share wonderful memories too.
The Gordon Family
We weren’t able to attend the service, but just heard the news from Dennis late yesterday. So sorry for your loss, and although we didn’t meet you mother, she sounds like quite a lady. Our thoughts are with you.
Sorry for your loss.