Obituary of Helen J. Downey

Helen J. Downey, 83, of LaPorte, IN (formerly of Winamac, IN) passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Miller’s Health and Rehab in LaPorte surrounded by her family.  She was born on January 31, 1939 in New Boston, OH.  On December 15, 1956, Helen married Walter L. Downey in Brookville, IN and made their home in Ohio.  Several years later, they moved to Northwest Indiana where they raised their three children.  They retired in Winamac where they lived for many years. 

Helen was a member of LaPorte First Church of the Nazarene and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) of Ohio. She owned and operated the Mary Jo Motel in LaPorte for many years. 

Helen loved hosting and providing meals for any visitors to her home. She had a special way of making everyone feel they are her family.  Helen enjoyed watching TV and was an avid sports fan. She also enjoyed attending musicals at the theatre and playing BINGO.  Most of all, Helen loved her family dearly and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Helen’s family would like to thank Miller’s Health and Rehab of LaPorte for their unconditional love and wonderful care they provided her over the past 5 years. Helen loved all her special nurses and aides as her own family.

She is survived by:

Kimberly (Joe) Napier, LaPorte, IN Daughter

Doug (Jennifer) Downey, South Bend, IN Son

11 Grandchildren

5 Great Grandsons

Bev Baker, Beloved Niece

Many Other Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:

John Payne, Father

Hattie [Fitch] Clifford, Mother

Walter L. Downey, Husband

Gwen (Eric) Thorgren, Daughter

Luella Newman, Sister

Wilma Bailey, Sister

William Clifford, Brother

Wally, Beloved Dog

Memorial Services will be held at 5 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Pinola Gathering Hall (5005 W. SR 2 LaPorte, IN) where family and friends may visit from 3-5 PM CDT.

Graveside Services will be held at 2 PM EDT Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Reed Cemetery in Winamac, IN. 

Burial will take place at Reed Cemetery in Winamac, IN. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miller’s Health and Rehab Activity Program.

Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.