Obituary of Marion Catherine Downing
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marion Catherine (McTavish) Downing on May 29, 2025, at Bobby’s Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 2, 1927, in Saint John, N.B., she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Walsh) McTavish. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Augustine Downing, in 2010.
She will be dearly missed by her five children: Deborah (Alain Saulnier), Linda (Jamie Wright), Anne (Heather Purdy), John (Sherri Edgecombe) and Michael (Claudette). She was “Nana” to ten grandchildren: Jeffrey, Mark, Kyla (Brent), Paul (Ashley), Laura (Brandon), Sarah (Ben), Erica (Brady), Alex, Adam (Stephanie) and Emily, and thirteen great-grandchildren: Freelon, Ciaran, Sam, Will, Lincoln, Levi, Theodore, Oliver, Bristol, Beau, Leighton, Wrenley and Rhett.
Besides her parents and her husband, Augustine, Marion was also predeceased by one sister, Elma Harding.
Marion loved the sunshine, the beach and the swing in her back yard. Her favourite place to be was the “3 Acres” she shared with Aug on Prince Edward Island. She loved being out and about, meeting people and watching for the best sales at the grocery stores. She enjoyed a trip to McDonald’s for a McDouble and a coffee, and sometimes an ice cream. She especially loved a windy day, because it was a “good drying day” for hanging clothes on the line.
One of Marion’s favourite ways to spend a Saturday night was playing Crazy 8s at the kitchen table. Marion also loved decorating for every holiday, and she had a sweater for every occasion.
Marion was very proud of the years she spent working at The Bank of Commerce before she decided to stay home with her children. After her family was grown, she worked at Sears in Catalogue Sales, where she made many lifelong friends.
Marion was a true North Ender and never forgot the people and the neighbourhood where she grew up. She loved to talk about her days living in the North End, especially the many friends she made on Murray Street.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Marion’s hairdresser, Odette, for the kindness and care you took with Marion at her appointment every Thursday, and also to Marion’s friend, Linda Webb, for your thoughtfulness.
The family would like to thank Bobby’s Hospice for the excellent care given to our mother.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle “Fallsview” Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave., Saint John, N.B. E2M 2L3 (506-634-1701). As per Marion’s wishes there will be no visitation. A private family service will be held with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in Marion’s memory may be made to Bobby’s Hospice or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made at www. Castlefh.ca.
