Violet Downing

Violet Ruth Downing, nee Boubek, age 96, of Shorewood and former 60-year resident of Des Plaines, IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, March 12, 2025 completing a life well lived. She was born November 15, 1928, in Melrose Park, a daughter of the late Frank and Grace (Copp) Boubek, a mechanic and homemaker, respectively. Her beloved husband of 40 years and best friend, John “Jack” Raymond Downing, an accounting manager, and her brother Richard Boubek, a B-58 pilot in the USAF preceded Violet in death. Violet’s youth was spent in Berkeley, IL and then Franklin Park where her parents permanently settled during the Great Depression. She graduated from Leyden High School in 1945 and worked part-time as a teenager in the cafeteria of International Harvester Co. in Melrose Park during WWII. After the war, she secured a job in the Accounting Department of International Harvester where a few years later she met Jack, the love of her life. After their marriage in 1957, they bought their first home in the emerging suburb of Des Plaines. Her efforts shifted to homemaking and providing a nurturing and loving environment for their three boys. She was an active volunteer in the kid’s schools including in the school library and as the guest “picture lady” showing students classic art and demonstrating artistic styles. Having the universal blood type, she was a bountiful donor for decades at blood drives and hospitals. As her science-destined sons went on to college, Violet reengaged the working world spending another 13 years in the Accounting Department at Littelfuse Inc. in Des Plaines, often arriving on her vintage violet-colored Schwinn bicycle! Violet’s interests, enjoyments, and leisure pursuits were vast. Violet and Jack traveled extensively around the US enjoying America’s natural wonders. She had international and island adventures as well. In times of solitude, Violet was passionate about solving crossword puzzles, crocheting blankets, reading, and art. She was a talented artist with nature being her favorite subject to paint, especially the unique beauty of the West and Southwest inspired in her youth from reading Zane Grey novels. Violet played guitar, ukulele, piano, loved singing, and found great joy in going to musicals. She was a passionate gardener and spent countless hours sculpting her yard and plants. Violet’s love of animals was legendary; all birds and squirrels knew her address! Likewise, her dogs and cats were consequential and well cared for companions at key points in her life. Even as her life force was winding down, she maintained her beautiful smile and gentle temperament. She was always happiest amongst family and close friends. Well done Mom! Grandma! Friend! Violet is survived by her sons Raymond J. (Caroline) Downing, Kevin F. (Lisa) Downing, and Brian W. (Christine) Downing; grandsons Matthew, Wyatt, Alexander, Sean, Nicholas, Eric, and Andrew; great-grandsons Ayden, Kylan, and Xander; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral reception for Violet R. Downing will be from 10:00 AM until Noon on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Matz Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Rand Road, Mt. Prospect, IL. A precession to All Saints Cemetery located at 700 N. River Rd, Des Plaines, IL and a short service will follow. For information, please call Matz Funeral Chapel (847) 394-2336. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Tunnel to Towers at 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or ALC Hospice at 360 W Butterfield Rd Ste 325, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Violet Downing

November 15, 1928 - March 12, 2025