Esther Therese Downes (née Colombani), 85, peacefully passed away on September 1, 2022, surrounded by loved ones in Hudson, Florida.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 26, 1937, to Marshall and Marie Colombani. On September 19, 1959, she married her true love, Raymond Aloysius Downes. They remained happily married for 54 years until his death on May 28, 2013.
Esther’s heart was her family. She filled her home with seven children and endless laughter, love, and faith. She was a proud and supportive wife who adored her husband. She enjoyed hosting large family gatherings and welcoming all of her many family, neighbors, and friends. She enjoyed traveling to destinations like Italy and Alaska and also exploring local sightseeing spots and restaurants with friends.
Her Catholic faith was an integral part of her everyday life as she was committed to volunteering in her church and community to help those in need. She enjoyed playing cards and watching sporting events. An avid Chicago sports fan, she was an endless supporter of the Cubs and the Bears. Her green thumb led her to have enviable gardens in all her homes.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond. She is survived by her seven children Mary Childers (Ben Gish), Patrick (Annette) Downes, Eileen (Paul) Martinec, Cathy Thompson, Terrence (Tracy) Downes, Kerry Lynn Downes, and Timothy (Laura) Downes; sisters Marie Cummings and Patricia Natale; thirteen grandchildren, Megan, Michael (Sarah), Cara, Sean, Matthew, Lauren, Tatum, Ryan, Bryan, Danny, Danielle, Ava, and Erin; great-granddaughter, Amelia.
A memorial service will be held on 09/13/22 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in New Port Richey at 11 AM.
Barbara Clark
September 3, 2022, 3:22 pm
My heart felt condolences to the Downes family. Knowing that she is at peace and again reuniting with her loving husband.
Terry and Jack Hubbard
September 4, 2022, 2:25 pm
Esther was a wonderful person and neighbor! She always spoke so lovingly about her family and her husband during our conversations – our sincere sympathy to her loving family – she will be missed at the Retreat!
Sandy Barnes
September 4, 2022, 7:29 pm
My heartfelt condolences to all of the Downes family. Esther was a very sweet lady. She was very proud of her family and spoke of them quite often. Esther was a good friend to my mom when she lived at the Retreat, always stopping by to check on her and bringing a breakfast roll or a little dessert to her door. She always thought of others. Now that I’m at The Retreat I will miss stopping by her apartment to check on her. Rest In Peace, Esther! We will miss you at The Retreat.🙏💔
Ileana Santini
September 4, 2022, 8:10 pm
Esther will be missed, always had a smile that would brighten your day.
The Lord has taken her by the hand to where there is no more pain, may she Rest In Peace !
Jean Cifelli and Cindy Fargo
September 4, 2022, 11:29 pm
We send our heartfelt prayers to our St. Thomas Aquinas Ladies’ Guild Friend, Esther, and her loving family. Esther remains a Joyful Spirit! She lit up a room with her broad smile and sense of humor. Esther remains a Playful Spirit! She took great joy in strutting her stuff as a stylish model for two of our annual Ladies’ Guild Fashion Show Fundraisers. Esther demonstrated her commitment to a Life of Service to her Church, Family and Friends. She never showed up empty-handed, and always asked, “How can I help?” We will truly miss our Friend.
With Our Loving Thoughts,
Harriet and Bil Mentges
September 5, 2022, 12:51 am
Our minds can’t reconcile the fact that we will not be able to see and talk to your mother anymore. We loved her! When I found out that she was going to Chicago, I told her to be careful. Esther said that she wanted to visit her family’ and that she would be safe. She loved her family so much. Now she will have eternal rest with God and her family.
Eileen Martinec
September 5, 2022, 2:30 am
We miss you so much mom. 💕
Mary Childers
September 5, 2022, 10:15 pm
Our beautiful Mother touched so many people. We already miss her so much!☘️❤️
Butch & Mary Wiegold & Family
September 6, 2022, 11:46 pm
Prayers for all of you…….
Esther was a very special person…..who loved her family more than anything.
Many beautiful memories…..
Pat Cummings
September 7, 2022, 2:16 pm
Thinking and praying for all of Aunt Esther’s family members and friends during these difficult times. She will be missed but I hope the wonderful memories will help ease the pain. She was a lovely woman with a big heart and a great smile. She touched the lives of so many. May she rest in peace with Uncle Ray.