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Kathleen Downs

Kathleen Marie Downs, 79, of Springfield, passed peacefully on Friday, February 15, 2019.


She was born to the late Albert and Josephine Mohr on August 15, 1939, in East Orange, New Jersey. Kathy graduated from East Orange High School in 1957.  She earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree while working at Newark Beth Israel Hospital.   Kathy worked as an LPN at Orange Memorial Hospital starting in 1966, and finished her career at Cornell Hall Nursing Home, retiring in 1978.


A wonderful wife and mother, Kathy was married to Bertyl Downs in 1970. They welcomed their cherished son, Stephen, in 1980, a dream come true for Kathy.  This year, she and Bert were married for 48 years.


Kathy’s love for her family became evident in all that she did. She was an active member of the James Caldwell Elementary School PTA.  She taught CCD at Sacred Heart Basilica and volunteered her time at the Bayley-Ellard High School Library.


In addition to her family, Kathy loved all animals, especially dogs. She was a devout Catholic, attending church at Saint Rose of Lima Church.  She loved horseback riding and nature.


Kathy is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Bertyl Downs of Springfield; her adoring son Stephen Downs and daughter-In-law Kristen of Tinton Falls; her nephews Frederick Mohr of Eatontown, Wayne Mohr, and Eugene Mangini of Toms River. Kathy is also survived by her granddaughter, Emma Downs, and a grandson on the way.  Her beloved dog and sidekick, Sassy, will miss her as well.


A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at Bradley, Smith, and Smith Funeral Home, 415 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Saint Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Avenue, Short Hills, NJ. Entombment to follow at Saint Stephen’s Cemetery, 451 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Kathleen Downs
Memorial
  • born

    Aug 15, 1939

  • died

    Feb 15, 2019

Kathleen Downs
Memorial
  • born

    Aug 15, 1939

  • died

    Feb 15, 2019