Eleanora Downey, 83, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Kenosha on October 4, 1927, the daughter of the late Felix and Mary (Dimeo) Batassa. On June 8, 1946, she married Aubrey Downey in Kenosha. He preceded her in death in 2009. Eleanora was employed by American Motors until her retirement in the early 1980’s. She was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, the Italian American Ladies Auxiliary Club, the Catholic Women’s Club, and the UAW Local 72. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, and was an avid reader. She is survived by her daughter, Marlene (Curtis) Downey-Waterstradt of Kenosha; her son, Byron (Kathy) Downey of Pleasant Prairie; four grandchildren, Heather (Brian) Schweitzer, Jason (Kayla) Free, Skyler Waterstradt, and Austin Downey; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Angela Maurer of Kenosha; and two brothers, Dominick (Martha) Batassa of Kenosha and Fred (Kay) Batassa of Tarpon Springs, FL. Eleanora was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathleen "Kay" Free. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 8th, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 7th, at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Italian American Ladies Auxiliary will have a service on Monday at the funeral home at 5:00 p.m.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Eleanora’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Jeanne and Orlo Gallo
February 8, 2011
To the family of Elenora Downey:We're so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. She will be missed. Our sincere sympathy.
Linda Reinmann
February 8, 2011
GiGi,I am so sorry for the passing of your sister Eleanora, I am sure she will be greatly missed.My Deepest Sympathy.
Kathy Marquissee Gruender
February 6, 2011
So sorry to hear of your family loss. GiGi and Fred my heart goes out to you and your families, I'm sure you know that time does heal. Take Care Kathy Marquissee Gruender
Neithy Hellen
February 6, 2011
So sorry to hear of Ellie's passing. She will be sadly missed! I met Ellie when we worked in the press room at American Motors and when us girls got laid off we started meeting for many lunches. She was one of the nicest women I ever knew. I know she will be greatly missed by Elena Acerbi and Bea Metallo too!'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.'
Stan and Dorothy krifka
February 6, 2011
We are sad to hear of Eleanora's passing. My mother and her were best friends for many years. We have many great memories of her and my mom's vacations, trips, shopping and breakfast excursions. My mom would always speak of Eleanora as a great friend and a kind person. She was a special person. Our condolences to the entire family. Stanley and Dorothy Krifka
Tammy Bockrath
February 6, 2011
To entire Downey Family, I'm so sorry for loss of your Mother,Mother-In-Law, and Grandmother. Our thoughts and prayer are with at this time of sorrow. Tammy Bockrath(Replex) I work with Kathy
Dianna Hasselback-Bostick
February 5, 2011
The Light of God surrounded You. The Power of God protected You. And the Presence of God watched over You. Peace and love go with you. Thank you so much for being one of my loving angels! You will be remembered and dearly missed.
Elena T Acerbi
February 4, 2011
Dear Marlene ,Byron and family Sharing in your sorrow and offering deepest sympathy .Youre in my thoughts and my prayers. Love Peter and Elena