Marilyn Downey

THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON THE FOUTS FUNERAL HOME WOODBINE FACEBOOK PAGE STARTING AT 2:45 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY.

Marilyn Doreen Downey was born on September 30, 1930, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to William and Catherine (Mackay) Gunn. She moved to Norwich, England with her mother and grew up there. Marilyn met Robert Downey while he was stationed in England and on October 14, 1950, they were married in Norwich. Because of the military they moved many times including assignments at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, Naples, Italy and San Bernardino, California. Marilyn and Bob welcomed four children into their family, Robert Jr, Lynn, Diane and Bill. After serving for over 20 years, Bob retired from the military, and the family moved to Woodbine, Iowa. Marilyn worked for many years for the Head Start program in Dunlap and retired from there.

Marilyn was an amazing gardener. She also loved to cook and bake. While in Woodbine, she and Bob owned a Bed and Breakfast where she was able to share her talents with others.

Marilyn died on October 22, 2021, at Parson’s House in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 91 years and 22 days.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob on January 2, 1995; and her children, Robert Jr, Bill and Diane. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Gregory of Fort Myers Beach, Florida; grandsons, Matthew Borys, Jake Gibson and Ryan Downey; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Yvonne Mitchell of Novato, California, Jim (Kate) Gunn, Raymond Gunn and Rosemary Irwin all of Brora, Scotland; and many other relatives and friends.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION IN MARILYN'S NAME TO THE CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE.