Marilyn K. Downer

Marilyn K. Downer, 77a?Æ?a?¢a?¢"Å¡a?a?"¦"Nannya?Æ?a?¢a?¢"Å¡a?a?"?a? Marilyn K. Downer, 77, Rockford, died suddenly, while surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, September 27, 2012 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born June 28, 1935 in Kansas City, MO, daughter of John and Helen Sullivan Quinn. Graduated from Lillis High School in Kansas City and married Robert E. Downer on October 9, 1954. She was employed for 30 years by Holy Family Catholic Church, retiring as business manager in June of 2010. She was also a member of Holy Family Church, their Women's Guild and Catholic Women's League. She loved to garden and was a member of the Council of Rockford Gardeners. She had also been a Girl Scout leader during the time her children were involved in scouting. Marilyn was involved in several other more informal groups that she enjoyed; Munching Moms, The Dirty Dozen, Holy Rollers (painting to help others) and the Stamping Group. Following her retirement she became an active volunteer for Carpenter's Place. Marilyn had the ability to always put a smile on your face and always left you with an a?Æ?a?¢a?¢"Å¡a?a?"¦"I love youa?Æ?a?¢a?¢"Å¡a?a?"?a? . She lived with, and shared with others that, a?Æ?a?¢a?¢"Å¡a?a?"¦"No problem is ever too biga?Æ?a?¢a?¢"Å¡a?a?"?a? . Her family was the most important part of her world and she loved her big family gatherings with her children. She lived to spend time with her grandchildren and loved to share stories about them. Additionally, she cherished so many dear friends and loved to spend time with them as well.Marilyn wanted to thank everyone at Holy Family Church who helped her over the years, including those who helped her count, the statement stuffers and all of the fantastic coworkers. Her family would also like to thank the nurses and staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center that provided loving care for her, especially Noel and Tera who gave so much comfort to her and the family during her final hours.Survivors include her children, Timothy Downer, Frankfurt, KY, Debbie Downer, Ypsilanti, MI, Dawn Callahan, Cape Coral, FL, Kevin Downer, Ottawa, IL, Mary (Bill) Marcille, Rockford, Erin (Greg) Barker, Rockford and Bridget (Rob) Buysse, Washington, IL; she was Nanny to Leslie Simonovich, Greg Callahan, Ben Simonovich, Robby Buysse, Alex Buysse and Sam Buysse . She is also survived by her dear friend, Barb Finnegan of Denver, CO. Predeceased by her husband on August 3, 1996 and her parents.Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, October 1, 2012 at 11 a.m. in Holy Family Catholic Church with Msgr. Thomas E. Bales and Rev. David E. Beauvais concelebrating. Visitation from 35 p.m. Sunday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a Prayer Service at 4:30 p.m. Visitation also from 1010:45 a.m. at the church on Monday. Private family burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caprenter's Place, 1149 Railroad Ave. Rockford, IL 61104. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.