Obituary of Karen Downey

Downey, Karen Jean ~ October 23, 1957 – April 3, 2016 ~ Passed away peacefully at Freeport Health Centre, surrounded by her children, after a courageous battle with cancer. Loved mother of Kerry Mullen (David Wamil), Jeff (Melissa) Taylor, and Stacey (Mike) Heckendorn. Loving daughter of Maurice Downey. Cherished grandmother of Kayla, Kassidy, Naomi, Brooklyn, Alexis, Rachel, Blake, and Kandis. Dear sister of Linda (Murray) Buchan, Dennis (Dana) Downey, Steve (Evelyn) Downey, Terry (Mary) Downey, and Darlene (Rick) Hauser. Karen will be welcomed in Heaven by her mother Rose Downey (June 2015) and her brother Philip Downey (1981). She will be remembered for her strength, her contagious laugh, her dramatic story-telling, and her words of wisdom. Her love for her family was unconditional and will always be treasured. The special bond Karen had with every member of her immediate and extended family will forever be cherished. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., with parish prayers at 3 p.m., at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at St. Teresa of Avila RC Church, 19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira. Private family interment will be in Drayton Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Service Summary Visitation: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home (62 Arthur St. S., Elmira) ~ Funeral Mass: Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila RC Church (19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira) ~ Donations: Canadian Cancer Society (Waterloo Region Unit, 108 Ahrens St. W., Unit 4 Kitchener, ON N2H 4C3 To donate on-line: www.cancer.ca or call 519-886-8888)