Colette Downey

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.

Print