Mary Downs Obituary

Mary Elizabeth Mink Downs, of Wachesaw Plantation, died peacefully September 13,2025 at her home, with her spouse of 73 years at her side. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Clayton and Mary E. Mink. Mrs. Downs was President of the National Honors Society, while attending Bartram High School. Upon graduation she worked as a private secretary for the Horace B. Nicholson Co., and attended the Univ. of Penn's Wharton School of Business. She was an accomplished pianist, and studied at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. While living in Puerto Rico, she started painting and studied under a local artist. Her family moved to Scotia, NY, and she was very active in the local garden clubs, becoming President of the Indian Hills Garden Club, and Asst. Treasurer of nine counties Federated Garden Clubs of NY State. Mary was also an accomplished seamstress. When living in London, England, she became a member of the Royal Horticultural Society. Mary and her husband retired to Wachesaw Plantation in 1992. She became very active in St. Michael Church in Garden City, and served on the Liturgy and Environmental Committees, and was a Lector for 27 years. She was pre-deceased by a son Christopher R. Downs, brother William Mink, and sister Doris Wills. Surviving are her husband, Harry A. Downs; daughter, Mary E. Rybicki and husband Joseph, of Milford, DE, son Harry, Jr. and wife Mary Frances, of Dalton, MA; daughter, Michele M. Witman and husband Joseph, of Milner, GA; eight grandchildren; Christine Resh, Kimberly Vella, Kevin Frayne Jr., Richard Downs, Matthew Downs, Krystle Witman Hardin, Joseph Witman Jr, Jonathon Downs, and ten great grandchildren: Braden, Parker, and Jaxson Resh,Johnny and Josie Vella, Aubriana and Kinley Downs, Jace Witman, Harper Witman, and Maverick Downs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at St. Michael Catholic Church, with burial following at Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday, September 22, 2025 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Michael Catholic School.