Obituaries

January 31, 1939 to May 19, 2022

WINAMAC - Helen J. Downey, 83, of LaPorte (formerly of Winamac), passed away  Thursday, May 19, at Miller’s Health and Rehab in LaPorte surrounded by her family.

She was born Jan. 31, 1939 in New Boston, OH. On Dec. 15, 1956, she married Walter L. Downey in Brookville, IN and made their home in Ohio. Several years later, they moved to northwest Indiana where they raised their three children.

Helen Downey

She is survived by:
Kimberly (Joe) Napier, LaPorte, Daughter
Doug (Jennifer) Downey, South Bend, Son
11 Grandchildren
5 Great-Grandsons
Bev Baker, Beloved Niece
Many Other Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
John Payne, Father
Hattie Fitch Clifford, Mother
Walter L. Downey, Husband
Gwen (Eric) Thorgren, Daughter
Luella Newman, Sister
Wilma Bailey, Sister
William Clifford, Brother
Wally, Beloved Dog

The Downeys retired in Winamac where they lived for many years. She was a member of LaPorte First Church of the Nazarene and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) of Ohio. She owned and operated the Mary Jo Motel in LaPorte for many years. She loved hosting and providing meals for any visitors to her home. She had a special way of making everyone feel they were family. She enjoyed watching TV and was an avid sports fan. She also enjoyed attending musicals at the theatre and playing BINGO. Most of all, she loved her family dearly. Helen’s family would like to thank Miller’s Health and Rehab of LaPorte for their unconditional love and wonderful care they provided her over the past five years. Helen loved all her special nurses and aides as her own family.

Memorial services will be at 5 p.m. (CT), Wednesday, May 25, at Pinola Gathering Hall (5005 W. SR 2 LaPorte) where family and friends may visit from 3 to 5 p.m. (CT). Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. (ET), Thursday, May 26, at Reed Cemetery in Winamac. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Miller’s Health and Rehab activity program.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.