Sylvia A. (Jozwiak) Downs

Dec 30, 1928 - Jul 9, 2016

NORTH LIBERTY - Sylvia A. Downs, 77, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016 in her home surrounded by her family.

Sylvia was born December 30, 1938 in LaPorte, Indiana to the late Stanley and Jenny (Kowalewski) Jozwiak. Sylvia was also preceded in death by a son, Robert C. Downs, Jr.

On September 7, 1957 in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Sylvia married her loving husband of nearly 59 years, Robert C. Downs; he survives along with their daughters, Bonnie (Richard Jr.) Stewart of North Liberty and Marianne (Darrell) Crane of South Bend; grandchildren, Casey (Phil), Sam (Marijke), Kevin, Connor and Hanna; 2 great-grandchildren, Paige and Paul; and her sister, Charlene (Frank) Bralick of South Bend.

Sylvia was a lifelong parishioner of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, Prayer Line, and the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a Secretary to the Dean of Law with the University of Notre Dame. She was also a substitute teacher at St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic School and South Bend Tribune rural carrier. Sylvia volunteered at Hamilton Grove Nursing Home with her sister, Charlene. Sylvia was an avid reader, especially about English Royalty and American Presidents. She enjoyed making needle point and custom greeting cards for others. Her generous heart was evident in her famous “party mix” and care packages that she sent to her grandchildren. She was her grandchildren's biggest fan, attending numerous competitive activities. Sylvia never knew a stranger and befriended everyone, offering a kind word, a cup of coffee or a special prayer to her guardian angel, Andrew.

Visitation for Sylvia is 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, July 12, 2016 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. with a Rosary to be prayed at 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am (EST) Wednesday, July 15, 2016 in St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 55756 Tulip Road, New Carlisle, IN 46552.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

Source: FindAGrave.com

05/23/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166801380/sylvia_a-downs