Virginia Mae Densmore Downes – Roscoe
Virginia Mae Densmore Downes, 92, of Roscoe, passed away on Jan. 7, 2023, at Cambridge Creek-side Dementia Unit in Charleroi, where she received excellent care. Born on Aug. 31, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Clifford and Ethel Austin Densmore. Virginia “Ginny” was a 1948 graduate of California High School, where she was in the National Honor Society and participated in the marching band. On June 20, 1948, Ginny married the one and only love of her life, Charles Richard Downes — they were married for 74 years. The couple briefly lived in Chambersburg, Pa., then settled in Roscoe among family. Ginny began working side by side with her husband, Chuck, in running the family business, Downes News & Lunch, once her youngest child started school in 1974. The couple worked together until they retired and sold the business in 1991. Ginny was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, in June 2022; her parents, siblings and her son, William Downes. She is survived by her four children, Thomas (Patty) Downes, Kathleen, Samuel (GayLynn) Downes and Jennifer (Terry) Todd; her very special nephew, Roger (Diane) King; as well as 12 grandchildren, five great- grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her loving companion, Buddy. Ginny was a member of Order of the Eastern Star Lodge and Roscoe Presbyterian Church, including the Janet Raye Circle for many years. Ginny and Chuck had 30 years of retirement and enjoyed wonderful vacations, including two trips to Hawaii and many cruises and excursions in their motor home. However, Ginny’s greatest love and best talent was being the BEST Mom to her children always. She loved cooking their favorite meals and goodies, as well as being there to celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, or to pick them up after a disappointment. She opened her house to so many and never turned anyone away without love and a hot meal, making everyone feel at home. There is a hole in the hearts of her children, grandchildren and loved ones that can never be filled — we will miss you forever, Mom. Thank you to Amedisys Hospice for all of the wonderful aides, nurses and social workers who helped with her care this last year. Special heartfelt thank you to the staff at Cambridge Creekside for the excellent care and love that they showed our mother, taking care of her as if she was one of their own. Visitation will be held at MELENYZER FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 1008 Furlong Ave., Roscoe, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at the funeral home with the Rev. Candace Cook presiding. Interment will be held at Howe Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.melenyzer.com.
