Madge E. Downing
Negaunee
Madge Elizabeth Downing, 80, of Clark St., Negaunee, was called home Saturday morning, September 17, 2016 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility.
Madge was born June 12, 1936 in Ishpeming to Carl and Margaret (Collins) Danielson and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1954. As a child, Madge was a devout member of Mitchell United Methodist Church with her sister Sally, and they enjoyed their youth years spending time and singing at church. Following high school, she earned her Registered Nursing Degree from the Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago and began her nursing career at numerous hospitals in the Chicago area.
Madge met Joe Ellis Downing and they were united in marriage August 6, 1960 at Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee before raising their family in Chicago. They returned to Negaunee in 2010 shortly before her Mother passed, and she resided on Clark Street until moving to the nursing home.
Mrs. Downing was a member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee. In her free time, Madge enjoyed shopping, being outdoors, watching movies, playing BINGO, and was an avid Chicago Bulls fan. She really enjoyed the Christmas holiday season, and her tree was often standing well into the summer. Most of all, Madge enjoyed spending time with her family at the camp on Little Shag Lake.
Surviving are 3 sons: David (Nancy) Downing of Schaumburg, IL, Thomas (Amy) Downing of Crystal Lake, IL and John (Mary) Downing of Montgomery, IL; her daughter, Elizabeth (Phil) Rekas of Elgin, IL; 9 grandchildren: Tyler Downing and Kora Rekas; Brennan, Ryan, Evan and McKenna Downing, Zachary, Adalynn Madge, and Margaret Downing; her sister, Sally Zanetti of Negaunee; her brother, David (Donna) Danielson of Negaunee, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Joe on September 14, 2014.
Memorial services will be held at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, September 21st at Mitchell United Methodist Church with Rev. J. Albert Barchue officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 pm until the time of services at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, and also at a dinner reception immediately following services in the church hall. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.
Madge’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.

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