Eileen F. Downs

Eileen Frances Kearney Downs, cherished mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and wife, was surrounded by her twelve children, 25 grandchildren, five sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother, and her loving husband, when she passed away on December 5, 2024. 

Eileen was born on April 19, 1944, in Philadelphia, to the late Donald and Margaret Kearney. She was a loving older sister to her brothers Donald and the late Francis Kearney. Eileen treasured her husband Joe, and their children, Phyllis Hart (Bob), Colleen Downs, Joanna Miller (Greg), Kathleen Randall (Jamie), Joseph Downs (Dina), Alicia Rhodes, Diana Dauer (Eric), James Downs, Andrea Cooper (Adam), Matthew Downs, Christopher Downs, and Juliann Downs, and was enormously proud of, and adored by her grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as Mimi. 

Eileen was married to Joe for 57 years, a journey that took her across the United States as she supported his military service while raising 12 children. Throughout their travels, she made lifelong friendships at each new post. Eileen had a remarkable ability to open her heart and home to everyone, always ready to offer a listening ear, a home-cooked meal, or a warm bed.

One of Eileen's greatest joys was proudly sharing stories of her talented grandchildren. She was a constant presence at their school plays, sporting events, and musical performances, cheering them on with unwavering love and pride.

Above all, Eileen’s greatest happiness came from being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. We are forever grateful to have been able to share her final moments with her.

Eileen’s husband Joe, and their children, will receive relatives and friends for Visitation 6:00-8:30 PM, Thursday, December 12, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square. Joe, children and grandchildren will receive relatives and friends for a second Visitation 9:00-10:30 AM Saturday, December 14, 2024, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Villanova University’s campus, 800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ALS United Mid-Atlantic, in honor of her beloved, late niece, Victoria Kearney Hunter, https://alsmidatlantic.org