Colette Downey
November 20, 2013
Colette Downey, 85, passed away at Edgewater in West Des Moines on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave. in Des Moines, IA at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Monday, November 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Colette was born on August 1, 1928 in Menlo, IA to Amelia (Gordon) and Leo Downey. She graduated from North High School and then attended Drake University. Colette was a career woman and worked in Public Information for various companies. She began her career at KRNT Radio and then moved to New York to work for CBS. She returned to Des Moines and worked for Iowa Des Moines Bank (now Wells Fargo), Grismore Advertising, and for Iowa Public Television for 20 years before her retirement. Colette enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading and watching game shows, her favorite being Jeopardy.
She is survived by her brother, Patrick Downey; sister, Mary (Leonard) Agnes Simons; nephews, Mike Simons, and Mark (Jodi) Simons; nieces, Lisa (Mike) Stang, and Laura (Don) Luke; great-nieces and nephews, Matt, Mary, and Rachel Stang, Amanda (Matt) Sutton, Michael Luke, Gabe and Claire Simons; great-great-niece, Peyton Sutton. Colette was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Anne Porterfield.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Public Television or to the Basilica of St. John. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Craig and Nancy Textor
11/25/2013
Our sympathy to your family. We have such happy memories of Colette! She was a true joy!(Hope we can get together soon, Pat.)
Larry Morgan
11/24/2013
Such a sweet woman! It was always a special treat to see her when I worked on IPTV projects. I am sorry for your loss.
Mary Helms
11/23/2013
Was so saddened to read of Colette's passing. Had considered her my best friend when I worked with her at the Iowa-
Des Moines National Bank in the 60's. Spent alot of time with her inside and outside of work and always enjoyed being with her. We got together a few times after I left the bank in 1968 when husband Ron and I adopted our son, Curt. Unfortunately we lost touch over the subsequent years but I've thought of her often. Always remember her telling about your dad describing someone who had "no responsi-gd-ability"! Please know I'm thinking about you two and everyone in your family.
Del and Deb Maxwell
11/22/2013
Sorry to hear of Aunt Colette's passing. I will miss my Halloween buddy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.