Joan Downey

Date of Death: February 1, 2017

October 24, 1957 - February 1, 2017

Joan Y. Downey, 59, of Bloomington, Illinois passed away peacefully Wednesday morning after a lengthy and courageous battle with lung cancer.

She was born in Phoenixville, PA, daughter of Iva (Brown) Evans and the late Darrel G. Wing. She lived most of her adult life in Altoona and York, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by James Winters who she married on October 28, 2006. She married Eugene D. Downey on April 20, 1980 who survives.

Surviving is her son, Vernon Paul Downey (Carrie) of Bloomington, two granddaughters, Jillian and Lydia. She is also survived by her sister Camille Wing of Renton, Washington, three brothers Ben Evans & Vern H “Buddy” Evans Jr. of Altoona and Kelly Evans of Edmonds, Washington. Also survived by sister-in-law Marlene (Greenwald) Evans and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her adopted father, Verne Evans, and numerous great friends who also battled cancer.

Joan was a dedicated employee of Monumental/Transamerica for over 20 years in various roles on the east coast. She made so many friends through her job that it wasn’t really work.

She enjoyed reading, spending time with her friends playing dominoes and other table games while enjoying the scenery of the lake, studying the Bible with her friends from Evangelical Free Church and spending time with her beloved granddaughters.

Friends will be received from 10am-11am Saturday, February 4, 2017 at East Lawn Funeral Home, 1102 Airport Rd., Bloomington, IL 61704, followed immediately by a memorial service at 11am, Pastor Brett Miley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the foundations of the cancer centers that cared for her so well in her time of need. Friends and family in Pennsylvania can donate in Joan’s name to WellSpan York Health Foundation, 50 N. Duke St., 2nd Floor, York, PA 17401. Friends and family in Illinois can donate to Community Cancer Center Foundation, 407 East Vernon Ave, Normal, Illinois 61761. Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL.