Helen Margurite (Miller) Downey

Helen Margurite Downey, 96, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017, at Edgewood Convalescent Home.  She was born on September 14, 1920, on a farm near Elkport, Iowa, the daughter of Mike and Alta (Smock) Miller.  She attended rural school in Clayton County and graduated from Strawberry Point High School.  After high school, Helen taught for two years at a rural school.

On April 7, 1942, Helen was united in marriage to Charles Downey.  Six children were born to this union.  The couple farmed together until moving back to Edgewood in 1973. They then opened Downey’s Sales and Surplus.  Helen was an employee of Ed-Co Schools, working in the dietary department, for 20 years. She also worked at the Edgewood Convalescent Home for 27 years, where she cared for the elderly until she retired at the age of 96.

Helen was a longtime member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood.  She enjoyed playing cards and was a member of several card clubs.  Helen enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

Survivors include her two sons, William Downey of Edgewood and Mark (Sherry) Downey of Cedar Rapids; three daughters, Janice (Stephen) Thompson of Denver, Colorado, Mary Kay Marten of Onaga, Kansas, and Charlene (Jim) Molis of Lakewood, Colorado; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Verla Mae Schultz and Jeanette Gibson both of Edgewood.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; her son, Joseph; two grand-daughters; a son-in-law; two sisters; and two brothers.

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