Jean C. Downing, 94, of Manchester, the matriarch of the Downing Family, died peacefully Friday, September 1, 2017. She is safely home with the love of her life, James E. Downing who predeceased her in March 2009. Born in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, January 31, 1923, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Agnes (Dailey) Costello. A lifelong resident of Manchester, she graduated from Manchester High School in 1941. Jean was employed for many years at the Travelers Insurance Company and Gorman Insurance. She was an active member of many organizations including the Beta Sigma Phi, The National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary, The Daughters of Isabella, and a founding member of St. Bartholomew’s Parish in Manchester as well as a long- time volunteer.

Jean, a devoted mother and homemaker, made every family gathering special with her apple pie, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. She imparted her sense of adventure to her children and grandchildren; to believe in possibilities, to make the most of opportunities, and to give something back. A woman of unwavering faith in God, she made time to care, to share, and to love. These gifts will last a lifetime to all who were blessed to know her.

Jean is survived by her children James E. Downing, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Rockledge, FL; Therese Miodonka and her husband Michael of Hampden, MA; Claire Downing of East Greenwich, RI; Nancy Downing, CND of New York, NY; Brent Downing and his wife Deanna of Manchester, and her son-in-law Gary Moule of Manchester, her precious grandchildren; James III and his wife Sandra of East Hartford, CT; Richard and his wife Jennifer of Coventry, CT; Andrew and his wife Julianne of Danvers, MA; Timothy and his wife Lisa Marie of Essex, CT; Kaylee of Hampden, MA; Michelle of Middletown, CT; Kevin of Bristol, CT; Rebecca of Manchester, CT; and Gary Jr. of Manchester, CT; and five cherished great-granddaughters. She is also survived by her beloved sister and best friend Roxann Dwire of Tolland, CT; and her sister Nancy Davis of Vernon, CT; along with many dear nieces, nephews and other loved ones. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Kathleen Moule and four siblings.

Jean’s family would like to offer a special thanks to her caregivers, Jackie, Aida, and Esther for all of their love and care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (September 7th) 10 am at St. Bartholomew Church, Parish of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 736 Middle Turnpike, Manchester. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Office of Radio and Television, in support of the daily television Mass, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, Connecticut 06712-1052 or the MS Dream Center, P.O. Box 20185, Cranston, RI 02920 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.