Obituary

Surrounded by her family, Marguerite peacefully passed away on May 30, 2025. Predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Ronald, and brothers Maurice and Carl Downey, brothers-in-law, Kevin Kraemer and Joe Mantler and sister-in-law, Rose Downey. Marguerite was a loving sister to Helen Moore, Jean Kraemer and Frances Mantler and to her sister-in-law Eileen Downey and brother-in-law Bert Moore. She leaves behind her daughter Rhonda (Edward Marchione), son David, her wonderful grandchildren Kasia, Alexandra (Andrew) and Nicholas. Marguerite was born and raised on a farm outside of Goldstone, Ontario. She was the eldest of Jim and Rosella Downey’s six children. They are a very close-knit family, and all knew the value of hard work and the importance of faith and attended church every Sunday. Saturday nights were special and often reserved for family get togethers or dances, which she and Ronald absolutely loved, often in Drayton, Arthur or any of the surrounding towns. She was a strong and independent woman, who was generous, supportive, loving and faithful. She was an excellent role model for her daughter and her two granddaughters. She cared deeply for each of her children and her grandchildren. Marguerite and Ronald moved to Richmond Hill in 1956 and became active parishioners at St. Mary’s Immaculate Church. Soon after, Marguerite began her 40-year career as a proud employee of Richmond Hill Hydro. It seems that she knew everyone in town, and everyone knew her as the kind and friendly person behind the counter. In her spare time, she was an active volunteer with the Richvale Lionesses and the Catholic Women’s League. She loved to garden, to make her own jams and pickles, to bowl, and to walk, but most of all, she loved to dance. Marguerite joked that after her hip replacement, the thing she missed the most was dancing. In the summer, Margeurite loved to vacation in Port Elgin. It was time spent with family and friends, jumping the waves, riding the train, and eating ice cream while watching the sunset. Marguerite was a lifelong supporter of Sick Kids Hospital. With this in mind, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Sick Kids Hospital. Marguerite, we are so fortunate to have had you in our lives. We will always love you and you will live forever in our memories. Friends and family called at Marshall Funeral Home 10366 Yonge St, Richmond Hill on Sunday June 1, 2025 for visitation. The funeral mass was held at St. Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church 10295 Yonge St., Richmond Hill on Monday June 2, 2025, at 1pm. Prayers and internment were at Holy Cross Cemetery on Yonge St.