May
22, 1921 - Sep. 17, 2009SOUTH BEND - Virginia L. Downey, 88, of South Bend, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 17, 2009, in Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Downey was born May 22, 1921, in South Bend to the late William C. and Lucey B. (Emmons) Hathaway and was a lifetime area resident. On March 17, 1942 in Shreveport, LA, she married John D. Downey who preceded her in death July 17, 1977. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Lois Hathaway. She is survived by six daughters, Charlotte Hollett (Bruce) of Cincinnati, OH, Pat Citron (David) of Highland Park, IL, Cathy Sego (Fred) of Jackson, TN, Beth Downey of Muncie, IN, Pamela Plouhar (Neil) of South Bend, and Carol Fisher (Wade) of Muncie; one son, John D. Downey (Heidi) of Roanoke, IN; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty McCune and Frances Hedl both of South Bend. Mrs. Downey retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation in food service after 23 years service. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Matthew and the altar and rosary of the church. She had been a volunteer with the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for 21 years. Her favorite pastime was playing various card games and was known for her skill. She will be greatly missed by all her family and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Rd. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to the time of service at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami St., South Bend, IN, 46613 or Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 615 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN, 46601. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at welshfh@yahoo.com.