Margaret O'C. Downing

August 14, 1930 - March 6, 2019

Margaret O’Connor Downing, 88, of Hackettstown, N.J. passed away peacefully on March 6, 2019. Margaret was born in Gloversville, N.Y. on August 14, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary C. O’Connor. She was predeceased by her infant sister Sabina Bridget O’Connor. Margaret attended St. Mary’s Elementary school in Gloversville, N.Y. and St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam graduating in 1948. After attending the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y. for two years, she transferred to Cornell University in Ithaca earning a B.F.A. in 1952 and a M. Ed. in 1953. In 1954, she married Charles R. Downing at Sacred Heart Church in Gloversville, N. Y. Following her husband’s career in research science, they lived in Albany N. Y., Frederick, Md., Richmond, Va., and Metuchen, N.J. before retiring to Northville, N.Y. in 1995. Mrs. Downing taught art at Warrensburg Central School in N.Y. and St. Bridget’s School in Richmond, Va. After Montessori certification at Marymount University in New York City, she taught at ABZ Academy in Metuchen, N.J. and the Caedmon School in New York City. In Metuchen, N.J., she was a member of St. Francis Cathedral parish, the Quiet Hour Club, and Book Back Talk. In Northville, N.Y., she was active in St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church where she was an Extraordinary Minister to the homebound and Nathan Littauer Hospital and a member the Rosary Society. She was involved in the community as a volunteer with the Northville/Northampton Historical Society, SVAN, and the Friends of the Northville Public Library. She was also a member of the Sacandaga Garden Club and Sacandaga Book Club. Mrs. Downing was an avid watercolorist and had shows of her paintings. She is survived by her husband of 64 years Charles R. Downing, one son, Charles Michael Downing of Washington, N.J.; three daughters Mary Jo Savulich and husband Andrew of Hudson, N.Y.; Margaret Susan DeWitt and husband Craig of Bridgewater, N.J.; and, Sabina ("Ina") Bridget Downing of Morristown, N.J.; three grandsons: Matthew Steven DeWitt and wife Alaina, Nicholas Charles Savulich and William Michael Savulich; and two great grandsons: Jack DeWitt and Benjamin DeWitt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi church in Northville, N. Y. on March 11 , 2019 at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.